Tufted Duck

Scientific Name: Aythya fuligula

Population Estimate: 2.6-2.9M, Least Concern status

Range / Habitat: Prefers wetlands and lakes throughout Europe and Asia. Breeding in Iceland, western and northern Europe and northern Russia. Range will extend south to southern Asia and northern Africa in the winter. Rare migrant to costal US and Canada.

Field Notes: Medium-sized diving duck named for conspicuous tuft on back of head. Overall iridescent dark with white on sides. Light blue bill with black tip. Greater Scaup has white extending onto back.

Personal Notes: Seen first at Disney's Animal Kingdom and later in the wild in Kew Gardens, London. Large breeding numbers seen at a Lake Myvatn in Iceland.