Uploaded November 2024 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
25 Things to know about the Tufted Duck (Scientific name: Aythya fuligula). Tufted Ducks breed across northern Eurasia. Although some populations are resident all year round, for example in the British Isles, Tufted Ducks in other areas migrate to spend the colder months in south and west Europe, north Africa and parts of Asia. Occasionally, a few birds will stray during migration and reach North America.
Favoured habitats include lakes, ponds, marshes, reservoirs, rivers,
canals and coastal waters. Tufted ducks mainly dive underwater to find food. Occasionally, they can be seen upending to reach food in shallow water. Their diet includes molluscs, aquatic insects, aquatic plants and crustaceans.
The adult male has black and white plumage. The adult female is brown with lighter brown flanks. Both have a blue-grey bill, yellow eyes and a ‘tuft’ of feathers at the back of the head. Typical measurements: Length: 41-46 cm (16-18 in); Wingspan: 67-73 cm (26-29 in); Weight: 630-1030 g (22-36 oz).
Tufted Ducks usually build their nests close to water preferring island sites if available. The female builds the nest in a depression in the ground. The nest is made from vegetation, such as grasses and reeds, and lined with soft down feathers. Typically, 8 to 11 eggs are laid. The eggs are incubated by the female for around 25 days. Incubation starts when the last egg is laid to ensure the eggs all hatch at around the same time.
The ducklings can walk, swim and feed themselves very soon after hatching.
The female cares for the youngsters until they are self-sufficient and able to fly at around 45-50 days. Tufted Ducks usually raise one brood a year.
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25 Things to know about the Tufted Duck (Scientific name: Aythya fuligula). Tufted Ducks breed across northern Eurasia. Although some populations are resident all year round, for example in the British Isles, Tufted Ducks in other areas migrate to spend the colder months in south and west Europe, north Africa and parts of Asia. Occasionally, a few birds will stray during migration and reach North America.
Favoured habitats include lakes, ponds, marshes, reservoirs, rivers,
canals and coastal waters. Tufted ducks mainly dive underwater to find food. Occasionally, they can be seen upending to reach food in shallow water. Their diet includes molluscs, aquatic insects, aquatic plants and crustaceans.
The adult male has black and white plumage. The adult female is brown with lighter brown flanks. Both have a blue-grey bill, yellow eyes and a ‘tuft’ of feathers at the back of the head. Typical measurements: Length: 41-46 cm (16-18 in); Wingspan: 67-73 cm (26-29 in); Weight: 630-1030 g (22-36 oz).
Tufted Ducks usually build their nests close to water preferring island sites if available. The female builds the nest in a depression in the ground. The nest is made from vegetation, such as grasses and reeds, and lined with soft down feathers. Typically, 8 to 11 eggs are laid. The eggs are incubated by the female for around 25 days. Incubation starts when the last egg is laid to ensure the eggs all hatch at around the same time.
The ducklings can walk, swim and feed themselves very soon after hatching.
The female cares for the youngsters until they are self-sufficient and able to fly at around 45-50 days. Tufted Ducks usually raise one brood a year.
If you enjoyed this video, please like 👍, subscribe and leave a comment. If you'd like to be notified when new videos are available, please hit the bell🔔!
Thank you for watching!
