The Tufted Duck 

 THE TUFTED DUCK 



Fuligula cristata (Leach) 



This species is the commonest of our Diving Ducks, 

 nesting in increasing numbers on many of our inland waters 

 throughout England, Scotland, and Ireland. 



In winter, as is the case with most Ducks, large numbers 

 arrive from abroad, and may be found in shallow bays, 

 estuaries, and inland waters in company with other species. 



In food and habits it much resembles the Pochard, and 

 is very good eating after it has been in inland waters for 

 some time. 



The nest is placed on rushes, and the eggs, which some- 

 times number as many as thirteen, are greenish buff, and 

 are said to hatch after about twenty-three days' incubation. 



The adult male has the crest, head, and neck purplish 

 black ; speculum white. Under parts, including the flanks, 

 snow white. Bill slate grey ; eye golden yellow ; legs 

 bluish. In the eclipse plumage it becomes much browner, 

 somewhat resembling the female. 



The female is sooty brown above and greyish brown 

 below, and her crest is much shorter than that of the male 

 At the end of summer she becomes white round the base 

 of the bill for two or three months, but individuals vary 

 much in this respect. The young resemble the female, and 

 have a whitish forehead. Length 17*25 in.; wing 8 in. 



255 



