Tufted Duck Bird Details
Aythya fuligula
Tufted Duck,Black-headed Duck, Tufted Pochard;
Tunuk Tunuk
Linnaeus, 1758
Anseriformes (DUCKS)
Anatidae
Aythya
- UK, Scandinavia, Russia, and North America and Asia.
- India (Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.).
Appearance :
The Tufted Duck is medium-sized with a distinctive tuft of feathers on the back of the head. Males have a glossy black head and a white body with a black back and a yellow eye. Females are mottled brown with a less pronounced tuft and a subtle white patch on the face.
Behaviour :
These ducks are often seen in small groups or pairs. They are known for their diving behavior to forage for food underwater. They are migratory and may gather in larger flocks during the winter months.
Habitat :
Tufted Ducks prefer freshwater lakes, ponds, and marshes with dense vegetation. They are also found in brackish waters and coastal areas.
Diet :
Their diet mainly consists of aquatic plants, seeds, and invertebrates. They dive underwater to forage for food, primarily feeding on seeds, leaves, and roots of submerged plants.
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
Tufted Ducks are found across Europe, Asia, and parts of North America during the breeding season. In winter, they migrate to southern Europe, Africa, and parts of Asia.
Population Size :
The global population is estimated to be in the range of 1.5 to 3 million individuals.
Life Span :
The average lifespan of a Tufted Duck in the wild is around 5 to 10 years.
Body And Tarsus:
- Overall Body: The Tufted Duck has a robust body with a somewhat rounded shape, ideal for diving.
- Tarsus Length: Approximately 4.7 to 5.6 cm (1.9 to 2.2 inches).
Head And Bill :
- Head: Males exhibit a distinct glossy black head with a prominent tuft at the back, while females have a more subdued brown head with a less noticeable tuft.
- Eyes: The eyes are yellow in males and more muted in females, providing a contrast against the darker plumage.
- Bill: The bill is relatively broad and flattened, typical of diving ducks.
- Bill Length: About 4.5 to 5.5 cm (1.8 to 2.2 inches).
Length :
The overall length ranges from 36 to 42 cm (14 to 17 inches).
Neck :
The neck is moderately long and slightly elongated, contributing to the bird’s streamlined shape for diving.
Size :
Medium-sized duck, generally larger than some dabbling ducks but smaller than some of the heavier diving species.
Tail Details :
- Tail: The tail is short and square-shaped, often held upright.
- Tail Length: Approximately 8 to 10 cm (3.1 to 3.9 inches).
- Feathers: The male's plumage is characterized by a black head and white body, with a black back. Females are mottled brown with a more uniform appearance.
Weight :
Typically weighs between 700 to 1,200 grams (1.5 to 2.6 lbs).
Wing :
The wings are relatively long and pointed, aiding in their flying and diving abilities.
Wing Span :
The wingspan ranges from 70 to 80 cm (27.5 to 31.5 inches).
Facial Feature :
Males have a distinctive white facial patch that contrasts with their black head, while females have a more uniform brown face.
Nest Details :
- Nest: The nest is a shallow depression built close to water, often concealed among dense vegetation or reeds.
- Nest Made Up Of: The nest is primarily constructed from grass, reeds, and other aquatic vegetation, along with down feathers for insulation.
Breeding Season :
Breeding typically occurs from late March to June
Nesting Season :
The nesting season varies by region but generally takes place from April to July.
Egg Color :
The eggs are typically light green to pale buff in color, often with speckling.
Egg Length :
The average length of the eggs is approximately 4.0 to 5.2 cm (1.6 to 2.0 inches).
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: The average width of the eggs is about 3.0 to 4.0 cm (1.2 to 1.6 inches).
- Egg Weight: Each egg weighs approximately 30 to 45 grams (1.1 to 1.6 oz).
Clutch Size :
The clutch size generally ranges from 6 to 12 eggs.
No. of Broods :
Tufted Ducks usually raise one brood per breeding season.
Incubation Period :
The incubation period lasts around 27 to 29 days.
Nestling Period :
They typically fledge within 50 to 60 days.
Vocalization :
Vocalizations include a range of low, soft quacks and whistles, with males often being quieter than females.
Sex Demorphism :
Males are characterized by their glossy black plumage and tuft, while females are mottled brown with less conspicuous markings.
Migration Details :
- Migration Pattern: The Tufted Duck is partially migratory, with populations in northern regions migrating south for the winter.
- Migration Period: Migration typically occurs in the fall (September to November) and returns in the spring (March to April).
- Migration Route: Migration routes generally lead from breeding grounds in northern Europe and Asia to wintering areas in southern Europe, parts of Africa, and the Indian subcontinent. In North America, some populations migrate from breeding areas in Canada to the United States.
