Anseriformes / Anatidae / Aythya
Tufted Duck
Aythya fuligula · 凤头潜鸭
Introduction
A small diving duck in the genus Aythya, found across northern Eurasia with a population of nearly one million. It is partially migratory and monotypic. The species breeds near marshes and lakes, forming large flocks on open water in winter.
Description
Adult males are all black with white flanks, a blue-grey bill, golden yellow eyes, and a prominent thin crest on the back of the head. Adult females are brown with lighter flanks; some exhibit white around the base of the bill, though less extensive than in scaup species. Measurements include eggs sized 59 mm × 41 mm (2.3 in × 1.6 in).
Identification
Males are distinguished by the prominent head tuft, black plumage, and white flanks. Females are identified by brown plumage and limited white at the bill base. Similar greater and lesser scaup lack the tuft and have different calls. The female emits a harsh, growling 'karr' in flight, while males whistle a simple 'wit-oo' during courtship.
Distribution & Habitat
Breeds throughout temperate and northern Eurasia, occasionally appearing as a winter visitor along the coasts of the United States and Canada. Migratory populations overwinter in southern and western Europe and southern Asia, while remaining year-round in the British Isles. One record exists from Melbourne, Australia. Habitat includes marshes, lakes with vegetation, coastal lagoons, shorelines, and sheltered ponds.
Behavior & Ecology
Breeding occurs from mid-May to late July in northern Europe. Nests are ground depressions lined with grass, reeds, and down, usually placed beside water or on islands. Clutches contain 8–11 greenish-grey eggs, incubated by the female for 23–28 days. Young are precocial and nidifugous, fledging at 45–50 days. Feeding involves diving for molluscs, aquatic insects, and plants, sometimes at night. They form large flocks in winter.
Conservation
The species is covered by the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA).
Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0
Taxonomy
- Order
- Anseriformes
- Family
- Anatidae
- Genus
- Aythya
Distribution
breeds northern Palearctic from Iceland eastward to Kamchatka, southward to central Europe and Mongolia; winters to northern Africa and southern and southeastern Asia including the Philippines
Vocalizations
Data Sources
Species description from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Bird images and sounds sourced from GBIF, contributed by citizen scientists worldwide under Creative Commons licenses.
Taxonomy data from AviList 2025.
