Sound clips and movies require Adobe Flash player. Latin nameAythya fuligula FamilySwans, ducks and geese (Anatidae) OverviewThe tufted duck is a medium-sized diving duck, smaller than a mallard. It is black on the head, neck, breast and back and white on the sides. It has a small crest and a yellow eye. In flight it shows an obvious white stripe across the back of the wing. It breeds in the UK across lowland areas of England, Scotland and Ireland, but less commonly in Wales, with most birds being residents. Numbers increase in the UK in winter because of birds moving to the UK from Iceland and northern Europe. Where to see themFound across the UK at most times of year. Look in suitable habitat such as a local reservoir, gravel pit or lake. When to see themAll year round. What they eatMolluscs, insects and some plants. Estimated numbers| Europe | UK breeding* | UK wintering* | UK passage* |
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| - | 7,000-8,000 pairs (GB) | 120,000 individuals | - |
* UK breeding is the number of pairs breeding annually. UK wintering is the number of individuals present from October to March. UK passage is the number of individuals passing through on migration in spring and/or autumn. Distribution
Please note that the map is only intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations. Find out more
Audio is from commercial recordings Bird Songs and Calls of Britain and Europe on 4 CDs or Bird Sounds of Europe & North-west Africa, copyright WildSounds & CEBA (www.wildsounds.com, (UK) +44 (0) 1263 741100) | 
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 Male  Female Similar birdsHelp the Tufted duckJoin today and help us continue our conservation work to keep these birds safe. |