The Tufted Duck
Tufted
Duck Aythya fuligula L 42, W 70. Common.
Breeds on wide variety of lowland waters, incl.
park lakes. Outside breeding season in large
flocks on lakes, reservoirs, gravel-pits and
sheltered coasts. Male characteristic, black
with white rectangle at the side and drooping
crest. Female has shorter crest and often has
narrow white band at bill base (sometimes broad
one: see Scaup). Belly brown during the nesting
period. Often white under the tail (cf. Ferruginous
Duck). Both sexes have yellow eye. Whole tip
of bill black. Female's call is a repeated lively
'kerrb', male's spring call a giggling 'bheep-bhibhew'.
RW
An
excellent pocket reference book for recognising
birds is the Hamlyn Guide to Birds of Britain
and Europe, which is a comprehensive reference
guide to Britain and mainland Europe's plethora
of ornithological life.
