Tufted DuckAythya fuligulaWhere and when to see them

The Tufted Duck is a compact diving duck native to Europe and Asia. Adult males are strikingly black and white, while females are mostly brown. Both sexes have yellow eyes and a crest at the back of the head, although the female's crest is usually much shorter. The species occurs along the Rhine, particularly on sheltered river sections and nearby lakes. Its numbers and distribution change seasonally as birds move between breeding and wintering areas.

Size

40–47 cm long, with a wingspan of 65–72 cm.

Weight

Approximately 500–1,000 g.

Lifespan

Can exceed 20 years in the wild, although many individuals live much shorter lives.

Status

Least Concern (IUCN).

Tufted Ducks are sociable outside the breeding season and often gather in flocks with other diving ducks. They feed by diving from the surface and using their feet to propel themselves underwater. Between feeding bouts, they rest on the water and preen their plumage. Feeding may take place by day or at night, depending on local conditions and disturbance. Males display to females with head movements and postures that show their contrasting plumage. Females build concealed nests on the ground near water, often among dense vegetation or on islands. The female incubates the eggs and tends the ducklings, which leave the nest soon after hatching and feed themselves. Northern and eastern populations are generally migratory, while some birds in milder regions remain closer to their breeding areas.

• Its scientific name, fuligula, refers to its soot-dark throat.
• Ducklings can dive soon after leaving the nest.
• A male's head can show a purple sheen in good light.
• Dense mussel beds can attract large feeding flocks.

Wildlife opportunities depend on the river reach, water levels and species. River-specific viewing months have not been confirmed; general species seasons are not a local sighting forecast.

Tufted Ducks favour freshwater lakes, reservoirs, gravel pits and slow-moving rivers with accessible underwater food. During the breeding season, they need suitable nesting cover close to water. In winter, they also use larger open waters, sheltered estuaries and some coastal bays. Along the Rhine, quiet side channels, harbours and adjacent gravel-pit lakes can provide feeding and resting habitat. Local use depends on food availability, water conditions and disturbance.

The diet consists mainly of aquatic invertebrates, especially molluscs such as mussels and snails. Aquatic insects and crustaceans are also eaten, along with seeds and other plant material. Most food is collected underwater from the bottom or from submerged surfaces. Abundant zebra mussels can be an important food source in European lakes and rivers.

Common name

Tufted Duck

Scientific name

Aythya fuligula

Animal group

Birds

Size

40–47 cm long, with a wingspan of 65–72 cm.

Weight

Approximately 500–1,000 g.

Lifespan

Can exceed 20 years in the wild, although many individuals live much shorter lives.

Status

Least Concern (IUCN).

Identification

An adult male in breeding plumage has a black head, breast and back, sharply contrasting white flanks, yellow eyes and a long drooping crest. Females are dark brown with paler flanks and a shorter crest, sometimes showing pale feathering around the bill base. Both sexes have a blue-grey bill with a black tip and a white wing stripe visible in flight. Males in eclipse plumage and juveniles are duller, so consider the compact shape, bill pattern and crest together rather than relying on colour alone.