From Opus

Photo by Michael Foster
male

Aythya fuligula

[edit] Identification

Photo by postcardcv
female

Small diving duck.
Male

• Superficially black head at distance (green and purple sheen close under bright sunlight)
• Black breast, and vent
• Bright white flanks
• Tuft of feathers on back of head
  

Female

• Dark brown
• Lighter flanks
• Tuft less distinctive
  

Both sexes have very bright yellow circular iris in large eyes with distinctive large, dark pupil.

[edit] Distribution

Temperate and northern Eurasia.

[edit] Taxonomy

Monotypic

[edit] Habitat

Freshwater lakes, ponds and gravel pits.

[edit] Behaviour

[edit] Breeding

Nests on islands in freshwater wetlands.

[edit] Diet

The diet includes molluscs and insects.

[edit] Vocalisation

Generally quiet outside of breeding season. Male calls with whistle during courtship.

[edit] External Links