Tufted Duck

Basic Description

The Tufted Duck is a diving duck with a little flair—both male and female sport a stylish tassel of feathers at the back of the head. The male's is a dashing curl that echoes the curve of the head and complements his gleaming black-and-white plumage. The female is browner with a shorter, wispier tuft. This common Eurasian species breeds on shallow freshwater lakes, slow rivers, and park ponds. They make short dives to feed on mussels and clams. Wintering birds often form large flocks on both coastal and inland waters. Tufted Ducks regularly stray to North America, where vagrants join scaup and Ring-necked Ducks.