Aythya fuligula

Tufted ducks are diving ducks: they can dive down to 50 meters. Like all diving ducks, their legs are situated far back for propulsion, but it means they are clumsy birds on land. However in water, tufted ducks are capable of staying in place even if the water is flowing rapidly. Their favorite prey is the zebra mussel, a freshwater species.

Tufted ducks belong to the group known as diving ducks, and feed mainly on water animals. Their diet includes crustaceans, small molluscs such as snails, and insect larvae. They will search for these prey items amongst submerged water weed, under stones and other sunken objects. As with most species of ducks, drake tufted ducks play no part in the incubation of the eggs or the rearing of the young ducklings. The nest is constructed in thick cover, preferably on an island out of reach of many predators. As well as using available materials, the duck will line the nest with down from her own breast. Incubation begins once the clutch is complete, which for tufted ducks is usually between eight and 11 eggs. After about 25 days, the eggs all hatch with a 24 hour period. Young ducklings quickly learn who their mother is, and will then follow her everywhere. They leave the nest quite soon after the last egg has hatched and will find food for themselves whilst the parent acts as a guardian. Once the young ducklings have fledged their first true feathers, after about 50 days, they become independent.

Tufted ducks are, indeed, tufted, although the drake has a more prominent crest than the female (duck). The specific scientific name, fuligula may derive from the Latin word fuligo meaning soot, and drakes have glossy black plumage on their head, breast and back. In contrast, the side and belly have a conspicuous white band but despite this distinctive uniform, tufted ducks can be mistaken for other species such as scaup Aythya marila and the vagrant ring-necked duck Aythya collaris from North America. Like the tufted duck, these birds also have a grey bill with a black tip. To add to the confusion, tufted ducks are known to hybridise with both these species, leading to offspring that can resemble both parents at a distance. Female tufted ducks are much less showy than the males, being dark brown with slightly paler sides. They also have a black tip to the bill and this distinguishes them from juvenile birds, also dull brown with paler sides but lacking that bill tip mark.

Het mannetje heeft een langere kuif dan het vrouwtje.

N Palearctic region; winters to n Africa and s Asia.

Gulf of Maine, North West Atlantic, Polish Exclusive Economic Zone, Portuguese Exclusive Economic Zone, Spanish Exclusive Economic Zone, Swedish Exclusive Economic Zone, United Kingdom Exclusive Economic Zone, Wimereux

from Newfoundland to northern Virginia

Aythya fuligula (tufted ducks) is a migratory species. Aythya fuligula has a broad geographic range that extends from Eurasia and Africa to the North American coasts. Aythya fuligula was historically native only to the Palearctic Region. However, over the past century its range has expanded due to an increased availability of open water due to man-made changes in its habitat. Man-made lakes have provided these birds with ideal feeding habitats.

During breeding months (May to early August), A. fuligula inhabits most Palearctic regions such as the Faroe Islands, the British Isles, Norway, nearly all of Europe, and Asia to eastern Siberia. Its limit extends from about 70 degrees North and South latitudes to about 50 degrees north. During the winter months (November to April), tufted ducks can be found in southern Europe, northern Africa, southern Asia, and some areas throughout North America. Aythya fuligula can also be found occasionally throughout areas of Madeira, Borneo, Liberia, the Seychelle, Pelew, Marianne and Philippine Islands.

Biogeographic Regions: nearctic (Native ); palearctic (Native ); ethiopian (Native ); indian ocean; pacific ocean ; mediterranean sea

occurs (regularly, as a native taxon) in multiple nations

Canada

Origin: Native

Regularity: Regularly occurring

Currently: Present

Confidence: Confident

Type of Residency: Transient

United States

Origin: Native

Regularity: Regularly occurring

Currently: Present

Confidence: Confident

Type of Residency: Transient

Global Range: (>2,500,000 square km (greater than 1,000,000 square miles)) BREEDING: Eurasia, from Iceland to the Commander and Kurile islands. NON-BREEDING: south to northern Africa, India, southeastern Asia, Phillipines, and rarely western Micronesia, Hawaiian Islands, coastal North America, and inland lakes (Sibley and Monroe 1990). Regular visitor to western Alaska; rare visitor along North American east coast south to Maryland and the west coast to southern California (NGS 1987).

Tufted ducks range across nearly all of Europe and the UK and there are resident breeding populations in Britain, northern France, Germany and Poland. Migrant populations extend well into Scandinavia, Russia and across Siberia to China.

Tufted ducks are small to medium sized diving ducks. Sexual dimorphism is clearly apparent among males and females. Males are typically larger than females, with an average body length of 42 to 48 cm and a mass of 753.0 to 1026.2 g. Females generally range from 39 to 44 cm in length and weigh in at 629.8 to 906.8 g. Seasonally, body mass will fluctuate between sexes. Both male and female tufted ducks have an average wingspan of 70 cm.

The defining characteristic of this species that separates A. fuligula from the rest of Family Anatidae (ducks, geese, swan) is the distinct tuft located on the back of the head. In males the tuft is black and more prominent, whereas on females it is generally brown and less noticeable. Adult males are solid black with white underbellies and flanks with bright yellow eyes and a distinct tuft that is sometimes matted down from diving. Adult females are brown with dark yellow flanks and a white underbelly and a less pronounced tuft, or sometimes no tuft at all. Females also have bright yellow eyes. The wing undersides of both adult females and males is white.

Juvenile tufted ducks are similar in appearance to mature female adults, however, juvenile color is less vibrant and the tuft is less pronounced. Males in non-breeding plumage also resemble females with a brown tint and a less prominent tuft or no tuft at all.

Range mass: 753.0 (male) 629.8 (female) to 1026.2 (male) 906.8 (female) g.

Average mass: 889.6 (male) 768.3 (female) g.

Range length: 406.4 to 457.2 mm.

Average length: 431.8 mm.

Range wingspan: 201.5 (male) 193.6 (female) to 212.1 (male) 206.6 (female) mm.

Other Physical Features: endothermic ; homoiothermic; bilateral symmetry

Sexual Dimorphism: male larger; sexes colored or patterned differently; male more colorful

Habitat and Ecology

Systems

• Terrestrial
• Freshwater
• Marine

The habitat of A. fuligula varies seasonally due to its migratory behavior. Throughout the breeding season tufted ducks are most often found in shallow lakes. They prefer shallow water ranging from 3 to 5 m deep, with tall thick wetland vegetation, such as reeds, for perching and preening. Vegetation is also an important factor in protection from the wind. During the breeding season A. fuligula typically avoids lakes that are deeper than 15 m.

During winter months A. fuligula can be found generally in larger bodies of open water such as marshes, lakes, estuaries, and man-made ponds. During periods of migration this species can also be found in and along rivers.

Range depth: 2 to 15 m.

Average depth: 7 m.

Habitat Regions: temperate ; terrestrial ; saltwater or marine ; freshwater

Terrestrial Biomes: savanna or grassland

Aquatic Biomes: lakes and ponds; rivers and streams; coastal

Wetlands: marsh

Other Habitat Features: agricultural ; estuarine

Depth range based on 13 specimens in 1 taxon.
Water temperature and chemistry ranges based on 10 samples.

Environmental ranges
  Depth range (m): 0 - 0
  Temperature range (°C): 9.483 - 10.696
  Nitrate (umol/L): 2.010 - 7.309
  Salinity (PPS): 33.777 - 34.968
  Oxygen (ml/l): 6.271 - 6.636
  Phosphate (umol/l): 0.355 - 0.491
  Silicate (umol/l): 1.624 - 3.454

Graphical representation

Temperature range (°C): 9.483 - 10.696

Nitrate (umol/L): 2.010 - 7.309

Salinity (PPS): 33.777 - 34.968

Oxygen (ml/l): 6.271 - 6.636

Phosphate (umol/l): 0.355 - 0.491

Silicate (umol/l): 1.624 - 3.454
 
Note: this information has not been validated. Check this *note*. Your feedback is most welcome.

Comments: Marshes, ponds, lakes, swamps, especially with emergent vegetation; in migration also rivers and brackish coastal areas (Sibley and Monroe 1990). Nests on islands in lakes or on banks of small pools; nest is hidden in reeds or under bushes close to water or in tuft of grass on slope (Terres 1980).

There are few bodies of open water which do not contain a population of tufted ducks. They can be found on large lakes, flooded gravel pits and even city park lakes provided there are islands on which they can nest.

Non-Migrant: No. All populations of this species make significant seasonal migrations.

Locally Migrant: Yes. At least some populations of this species make local extended movements (generally less than 200 km) at particular times of the year (e.g., to breeding or wintering grounds, to hibernation sites).

Locally Migrant: Yes. At least some populations of this species make annual migrations of over 200 km.

Aythya fuligula is omnivorous. Its main sources of food are molluscs (Mollusca). The most preyed upon molluscs are zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha). Zebra mussels are generally very abundant in slow moving rivers, canals, docks, reservoirs, and large areas of freshwater. In addition, tufted ducks consume a variety of plant materials, mostly leaves, stems, and roots. They also occasionally feed on seeds.

There are always quantities of sand, fine shells, and small stones found within tufted ducks' stomachs. This species usually consumes food underwater; however, when a larger vertebrate or plant is being consumed they bring that food to the surface where they crush the food with their bills before ingested.

When foraging, A. fuligula generally forages and feeds with other members of this species. They typically dive together, or one after the other very quickly, and stay submerged from a few seconds to one minute.

Animal Foods: amphibians; fish; insects; mollusks

Plant Foods: leaves; roots and tubers; seeds, grains, and nuts; bryophytes

Primary Diet: omnivore

Comments: Diver; eats roots, seeds, and buds of aquatic plants; skims flies and duckweeds from water surface; dives for clams, snails, aquatic insects, sometimes amphibians and fishes.

Adult tufted ducks, eggs, and young are all common sources of food for many predators. In addition, they serve as hosts to a species of avian nasal parasite. This parasite is found in mollusks as an intermediate host, and then are consumed by tufted ducks.

Tufted ducks are both herbivores and predators of many aquatic invertebrates. They generally have a significant impact on these populations.

Commensal/Parasitic Species:

• avian nasal parasites (Tricholbilharazia regenti)

The main predators of A. fuligula are humans. Aythya fuligula is protected by hunting laws during the breeding season (May through early August); however, they may be hunted during the rest of the year. They can also be hunted by large birds of prey such as hawks, as well as terrestrial predators including foxes, raccoons, and common snapping turtles. In addition, many animals prey on A. fuligula eggs, including domestic dogs, crows, and skunks. Like many birds, female tufted ducks exhibit cryptic coloration to camouflage themselves while incubating the clutch.

Known Predators:

• humans (Homo sapians)
• domestic dogs (Canis familiaris)
• large birds of prey (Accipitriformes)
• common snapping turtles (Chelydra serpentina)
• skunks (Mephitidae)
• crows (Corvus)
• raccoons (Procyon)

Anti-predator Adaptations: cryptic

Aythya fuligula (tufted duck and chicks) is prey of:
Laridae

Based on studies in:
Scotland, Loch Leven (Lake or pond)

This list may not be complete but is based on published studies.

Aythya fuligula (tufted duck and chicks) preys on:
Valvata
herb
Chironomidae
zooplankton
detritivore
Asellus

Based on studies in:
Scotland (Lake or pond)
Scotland, Loch Leven (Lake or pond)

This list may not be complete but is based on published studies.

Nonbreeding: forms small or large flocks.

The use of visual and acoustic perceptions is key for A. fuligula because it is what they use to communicate for mating rituals and warning calls. Like most birds, A. fuligula perceives its environment through visual, auditory, tactile and chemical stimuli.

Both females and males of A. fuligula make similar calls, korr,korr,korr, or ka-ka-ka, karr, with the female normally presenting the call louder. Calls are normally emitted when beginning to fly, quarreling, or when startled.

In selecting for a mate, two or three male ducks will flaunt their attributes in the presence of a female. To attract mates, A. fuligula males will swim circles around a female, while passing the female rapidly. The male will extend his neck to full length and raises his bill but will not look in the female's direction. Aythya fuligula males, like other diving ducks, A. collaris, also dip their bills frequently and sound calls during courtship. Female A. fuligula have also been spotted flaunting their attributes towards males before mating.

Communication Channels: visual ; acoustic

Little is known about the lifespan and longevity of tufted ducks.

Maximum longevity: 22 years (wild)

Aythya fuligula is monogamous and breeds annually. Adults form pair bonds during spring migration and mates remain together until late June to early July. Reproductive behavior and mannerisms in A. fuligula are similar to other diving ducks. Examples of "showing off" behavior include dipping, also known as drinking, which is when the males and females swim quickly alongside one another and dip their bills in and out of the water. Another example is the neck stretch, which is when the male swims rapidly past the female and reaches its neck to its entire length, holding it there for a few seconds.

Although few, there are some male only displays which consist of nod swimming (a fast swim that includes nodding the head back in forth with full extension), a head throw (similar to neck stretch), and preening behind the wing.

Mating System: monogamous

The breeding season for tufted ducks occurs from May through early August, with peak activity from mid-May to mid-July. The breeding season begins with pair bondings which are formed during spring migration and continue until late June or early July.

For nest site selection, pairs browse along the open waters of wetlands. Females swim into flooded areas looking for a subtle nesting site while males stay alert for predators and other threats. Ideal nesting areas are near water, generally amid dense vegetation. The female is the constructor of the nest which requires almost a week to complete. Grasses and feathers are used as support for the nest. By the third day of nest building, a bowl shape has been formed; by day six, the nest is strong with a defined shape.

Female tufted ducks lay between 6 and 14 eggs a season, but on average between 8 and 10. Eggs are smooth and ovular in shape and range in color from olive-brown to olive-gray. Incubation starts after the clutch is completed and begins on the first night the female remains in the nest overnight. Incubation usually lasts 26 to 27 days. Chicks hatch usually weighing 28 to 31 g, covered in downy feathers, and can generally begin following parents and feeding themselves soon after hatching. Fledging occurs 49 to 56 days after hatching and independence occurs 21 to 56 days after fledging. Reproductive maturity is quickly reached by both sexes, and breeding can occur during the following breeding season.

Breeding interval: Tufted ducks breed once yearly

Breeding season: The breeding season occurs during late winter or spring months

Range eggs per season: 8 to 11.

Average eggs per season: 9 to 10.

Range time to hatching: 25 to 29 days.

Average time to hatching: 26 to 27 days.

Range birth mass: 28.4 to 31.0 g.

Range fledging age: 49 to 56 days.

Range time to independence: 21 to 56 days.

Average time to independence: 43 days.

Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (female): 1 years.

Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (male): 1 years.

Key Reproductive Features: seasonal breeding ; gonochoric/gonochoristic/dioecious (sexes separate)

Parental care for ducklings is exhibited only by females. Males do contribute indirectly by taking care of nutritional needs of the female during the laying process. The young emerge from the egg without any help from the mother, after which she disposes of the egg by ingesting it, removing it from nest area, or crushing the shells. Aythya fuligula young do not depend on their mothers for food after they learn to dive. This typically occurs within the first 48 hours of hatching, however, during this first week young ducklings rely mostly on surface foods.

Parental Investment: precocial ; female parental care ; pre-fertilization (Provisioning, Protecting: Male, Female); pre-hatching/birth (Provisioning: Female, Protecting: Female); pre-weaning/fledging (Protecting: Female); pre-independence (Protecting: Female)

Lays eggs in May-June; clutch size usually is 8-10; incubation, by female, lasts 23-28 days; young fly at about 45-50 days; nests singly or in small "colonies" (Terres 1980).

Barcode of Life Data Systems (BOLDS) Stats
Public Records: 9
Specimens with Barcodes: 12
Species With Barcodes: 1

The following is a representative barcode sequence, the centroid of all available sequences for this species.

There are 9 barcode sequences available from BOLD and GenBank.  Below is a sequence of the barcode region Cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COI or COX1) from a member of the species.  See the BOLD taxonomy browser for more complete information about this specimen and other sequences.

Download FASTA File

Year Assessed

Assessor/s

Reviewer/s

Contributor/s

Justification

History

• 2008
  Least Concern
• 2004
  Least Concern

Aythya fuligula has a very large geographic range and is not declining or fluctuating in population size. The conservation status of tufted ducks on the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources' (IUCN) Red list is of least concern. The largest threat to tufted ducks is habitat loss through human induced alteration. This includes destruction of wetlands for human development, waste pollution, and oil spills.

CITES: no special status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: least concern

Regular passage visitor and winter visitor.

Canada

Rounded National Status Rank: NNA - Not Applicable

United States

Rounded National Status Rank: NNA - Not Applicable

Rounded Global Status Rank: G5 - Secure

Receives general protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (as amended) in the UK. Protected under the European Birds Directive 1979.

Major Threats

The tufted duck is a reasonably common species in the UK, with a breeding population thought to number around 8000 pairs. Wintering birds increase this figure to nearly 70,000 individuals and, across Europe and Russia, numbers may be as high as one million.

Tufted ducks enjoy general protection in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (as amended). However, they can be shot between 1 September and 31 January during the wildfowling season. Of the main over wintering sites in the UK, by far the biggest are Lough Neagh and Lough Beg in Northern Ireland. The bird is listed as a Species of Conservation Importance under UK legislation, and is also a Species of European Conservation Concern.

There are no known adverse effects of Aythya fuligula on humans.

Aythya fuligula are economically important for the hunting and game industry. The only time when the species cannot be hunted is during breeding season.

Preservation of wetlands is of great economic importance to humans. This could be said to be indirectly brought about by the protection of tufted ducks and other species found in wetland habitats.

Positive Impacts: food