TUFTED DUCK (Aythya Fuligula)

The only Pochard with a long occipital crest is the Tufted Duck. From a distance the nuptial plumage of the male appears to be strikingly black and white in colour. Although the flanks are brilliant white most of the other feathers are purple and dark green. The adult female is mostly dark brown with a few whitish grey feathers around the bill. In both sexes the iris is attractively golden yellow.
 		  The breeding range of the Tufted duck is throughout much of Northern Europe and Asia and it moves as far South as India during the winter. It is one of the few Pochards which maintains a large and increasing population. The species frequents fresh water of medium or large size reed beds and good cover. In winter it may visit lakes and ponds in parks, even in cities when undisturbed, but it is rarely seen at sea except during periods of hard frost. Tufted dive well and deep. The male’s call is a low soft repeated whistle while the female utters the usual harsh “kurr, kurr” which is common in most Pochards.

The Tufted duck is very popular in captivity. The black and white plumage, the long crest and the bright yellow eyes of the male make him a handsome and striking bird. Being quiet and peaceful there are few other diving ducks more suitable for ornamental waters. 		 
Chiloe
Wigeon
Cape Teal
Tufted
Duck
Bar-Headed
Geese