Tufted Duck

Name: Tufted Duck

Scientific name: Aythya fuligula

Category: Birds

Nature Stars: 30

What are nature stars?

About: Our commonest diving duck, nesting on gravel pits, lakes and reservoirs and gathering in large flocks in the winter, often mixed with Pochard and Coot. Tufted Ducks feed on water weed, plant seeds and aquatic invertebrates.

How to identify: The female is entirely chocolate-brown while the male is black, with white flanks and a long tuft at the back of the head.

Where: Found throughout the country, on lakes, reservoirs and gravel pits.

Natural Superpowers

• Predator: 30
• Agility: 30
• Rarity: 30
• Cute factor: 70
• Traveller: 80

Fantastic fact: The scientific name of the Tufted Duck 'fuligula' means 'sooty throat'

Photograph credit: Ian Rose