Tufted duck

A monotone duck.

Scientific name	Aythya fuligula
English name	Tufted duck
Japanese name	金黒羽白
Class	Aves
Order	Anseriformes
Family	Anatidae
Genus	Aythya
Species	fuligula
Full length	40cm
Distribution	Breeds in northern Eurasia, migrating south to northern Africa and India.

Tufted duck Characteristics and Morphology

A duck about 40cm in size, generally black. The color of the abdomen differs between males and females.
The black on the face has a glossy purple sheen. Characterized by yellow irises. The beak is slightly bluish-gray with a black tip. When the wings are spread, the upper half of the primary flight feathers is white. The legs are black.

Male

Males are generally a darker black.
A crest develops on the back of the head. The abdomen is pure white, creating a strong contrast.

Female

The color is slightly brownish.
The abdomen is brownish, not white.

Song

Does not sing very loudly, but makes a "kyuk-kyuk" sound.

Tufted duck Ecology

Habitat

Found in rivers, lakes, and coasts.

Food

Eats various things such as aquatic plants, insects, and crustaceans.

Life Cycle

In Japan, it is seen as a winter bird.

Tufted duck Photos

Tufted duck Photos are introduced.
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Characterized by its black and white body and yellow eyes.

The upper part of the primary flight feathers is white.

Was scratching its abdomen with its beak.

Is backstroke swimming in a very defenseless position.

Tufted duck Behavior

Moves on the surface of the water and dives headfirst when foraging. Many rest during the day and become active after dark. They dive from the surface to catch food, remaining underwater for several tens of seconds.

Tufted duck Information

Naming

The scientific name "fuligula" means "sooty throat," focusing on the black head. The English name "Tufted" means "crested," referring to the developed crest. The Japanese name "Hajiro" (羽白) is derived from the fact that the upper half of the primary flight feathers is white when the wings are spread.

Tufted duck Found Locations

Sagami River, Kanagawa Prefecture

I photographed a Tufted Duck swimming in the Sagami River in Kanagawa Prefecture. It was diving from the surface to catch food. It seemed to be able to hold its breath for quite a while, staying underwater for several tens of seconds. There were only three males, and the female was in the shade under a bridge a little further away. After observing for a while, I saw one of the males scratching its abdomen with its beak while swimming on its back. While swimming on its back, its white abdomen was completely exposed and defenseless, which was kind of cute.