Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula) – A Detailed Overview

The Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula) is a striking diving duck species found across Eurasia, known for its distinctive tuft and striking black-and-white plumage in males. As a zoologist specializing in the Sundarban ecosystem, I will delve deep into its taxonomy, morphology, habitat, behavior, and analyze its presence in the Sundarban Biosphere Reserve.

Taxonomy & Classification

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Aves
• Order: Anseriformes
• Family: Anatidae
• Genus: Aythya
• Species: Aythya fuligula

The Tufted Duck belongs to the genus Aythya, which includes various diving ducks, and is closely related to species such as the Greater Scaup (Aythya marila).

Morphology & Physical Characteristics

The Tufted Duck exhibits sexual dimorphism, with males and females showing distinct coloration and features.

Male:

✔ Glossy black plumage with a conspicuous tuft at the back of the head.
✔ Bright yellow eyes that contrast sharply with the dark head.
✔ White flanks and belly, creating a striking contrast.
✔ Blue-grey bill with a black tip.

Female:

✔ Overall brownish-dark plumage, slightly duller than the male.
✔ Less prominent tuft.
✔ Yellowish-brown eyes.
✔ White markings near the base of the bill.

Size & Weight:

✔ Body Length: 40–47 cm
✔ Wingspan: 65–75 cm
✔ Weight: 450–950 g

Habitat & Distribution

The Tufted Duck is a migratory waterfowl species, commonly found in the following habitats:
✔ Lakes, ponds, reservoirs, and slow-moving rivers in temperate and subarctic regions.
✔ They prefer deep freshwater wetlands with ample vegetation.
✔ During winter migration, they move to warmer regions, including parts of South Asia.

Global Distribution:

✔ Native to Europe, Asia, and parts of North Africa.
✔ Winters in India, Southeast Asia, and Japan.
✔ Has been recorded as a vagrant in North America.

Behavior & Special Features

✔ Diving Ability: The Tufted Duck is an excellent diver, feeding mostly underwater by foraging for mollusks, crustaceans, and aquatic plants.
✔ Flight Characteristics: They have rapid and direct flight, often moving in flocks.
✔ Vocalization: Males produce soft whistles, while females emit gruff quacking sounds.
✔ Breeding:

• Nesting occurs near freshwater lakes in Europe and Russia.
• The female lays 6–14 eggs, incubating them for about 26 days.

Tufted Duck in Sundarban – Presence & Analysis

Is the Tufted Duck Found in Sundarban?

The Sundarban region, famous for its mangrove ecosystem, is not the ideal habitat for the Tufted Duck. However, due to its proximity to freshwater bodies and estuarine environments, occasional sightings have been reported, particularly during winter migration.

✔ Winter Visitors: Some individuals migrate to eastern India, including West Bengal, and may visit the freshwater lakes near Sundarban.
✔ Uncommon but Possible: Though they do not thrive in mangrove swamps, they may appear in nearby wetlands adjacent to the Sundarban Biosphere.
✔ Sightings:

• Recorded near freshwater lakes in West Bengal.
• Rarely observed near brackish water bodies of Sundarban.

Ecological Role in the Region

✔ Not a Permanent Resident: Due to a preference for deeper freshwater habitats, Tufted Ducks are not common in the saline estuaries of Sundarban.
✔ Potential Visitors: They may use Sundarban-adjacent water bodies as temporary stopover sites during migration.
✔ Competition & Predation: If present in the region, they may face competition from native waterfowl and threats from predators like raptors and crocodiles.

Conservation Status & Threats

✔ IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC) – The global population is stable.
✔ Threats:

• Habitat degradation due to wetland destruction.
• Pollution and pesticide contamination affecting food sources.
• Hunting and poaching in some regions.

Conclusion

The Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula) is a migratory diving duck that prefers freshwater lakes and reservoirs. While it is not a common species in the Sundarban mangrove ecosystem, occasional winter visitors may be seen in nearby wetlands and freshwater bodies of West Bengal. Conservation efforts must ensure the protection of wetlands to support such migratory species, even if they are not permanent residents of Sundarban.

Credit Note: Discover the bird species of the Sundarbans with Sundarban Travel. Plan your next Sundarban tour and witness this paradise for birdwatchers.

Click to read more on Wikipedia – full details here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tufted_duck