Tufted Duck

Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula) has black head plumage that can be iridescent purple or blue in the right light and also sport long feathers coming off the back of the male’s head like a ponytail. This species is described as the Eurasian counterpart of the North American Ring-necked Duck. Eyes of both sexes are yellow, with males being more prominent. Males have silver-blue bills and their small bill hook is black. Chests and tucked wings are jet black and highly contrast with their pure white underbellies.

In flight, the Tufted Duck primaries and secondaries are white with smoky grey tips. The rest of the wing is either the same smokey grey or dark grey closest to the body. Tufted Duck females are varying colors of brown and dirty grey. Bills are also a darker version than the males, with a black tip that extends slightly higher.