THE TUFTED DUCK. 



Fuligula cristata (Leach). 

 Plate 49. 



During late years this handsome little duck has been increasing in numbers 

 as a resident in all parts of the British Islands, so much so that it has been 

 recorded as nesting over the greater portion of the United Kingdom. It is 

 abundant in Scotland, being especially numerous on Loch Leven, and breeding 

 plentifully every year on the islands of that historic lake. It is found over a great 

 part of Europe, breeding in the northern districts of the Continent, speaking 

 roughly, from Lapland southwards to Central Europe, whilst in winter it visits 

 the Mediterranean countries and Northern Africa. It also inhabits a great part 

 of Asia, and during the cold season migrates to India as well as to the islands 

 of the Pacific. 



The nest, sheltered by some bush or tuft of rushes, is built of dead grasses 

 with a lining of down, and contains from eight to ten or even more eggs of a 

 greenish-buff colour. 



According to Mr. Whitaker, as quoted in Howard Saunders' Manual^ the note 

 of this species sounds as currugh, currugh, uttered gutturally." 



The food, partly vegetable, partly animal, consists chiefly of aquatic plants, 

 insects, molluscs, tadpoles, &c., obtained by diving, in which art the Tufted Duck 

 shows great proficiency. 



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