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Tufted Duck

Aythya fuligula

1 photo

1 photographer

·Common · 1 pts

Black-and-white diving duck with drooping head tuft.

1 community photo of Tufted Duck on Things With Wings. Top-rated shots often use around 1/50ss shutter, 300mm.

Species Profile

Green List (least concern in the UK)

Lifespan: 12–17 years in the wild
Size & Weight: 40–47 cm, wingspan 67–73 cm; 600–850 g
Habitat: Freshwater lakes, reservoirs, gravel pits, and coastal waters with good diving depths and aquatic vegetation.
UK Distribution: Widespread across the UK, with resident populations year-round. Numbers increase significantly in winter with continental migrants arriving from September to March.
Diet: Diving duck that feeds primarily on aquatic invertebrates, especially chironomid larvae and freshwater snails; also takes aquatic plants and seeds.
Prey: Aquatic insect larvae (particularly midges), crustaceans, molluscs, small fish and plant material
Predators: Pike, cormorants, and occasionally raptors such as golden eagles and sea eagles; gulls and corvids may take eggs and ducklings.
Mating Season: September to April, with peak activity in autumn and winter
Breeding: Clutch of 6–14 eggs, incubation period 23–28 days, single brood per season. Nests in dense vegetation near water.
Behaviour: Highly gregarious, often forming large flocks, especially in winter. Excellent divers that can reach depths of 3–10 metres. Males produce distinctive head-throwing displays and whistle calls during courtship.

Did You Know?

•The distinctive tuft on the head is more prominent in males and can be raised or lowered depending on mood
•Males are striking black and white with bright yellow eyes, while females are chocolate-brown with smaller tufts
•They can dive synchronously in coordinated groups to herd fish and invertebrates
•The UK population has increased dramatically since the 1970s, from around 20,000 to over 150,000 birds in winter
•They are nocturnal feeders, often diving more actively at night to avoid predators and disturbance

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Shutter

1/50ss

ISO Range

800

Aperture

f/f/5.6

Focal Length

300mm

🐦 Tufted Duck

Bird