Help with ID please - Ferruginous Duck / Female Tufted Duck (2 Viewers)

[Nuthatcher_24]

Hi, this is one of the first photos I ever took so excuse the quality! My app says it’s a pair of Ferruginous Ducks however RSPB are telling me that around 10 are in the UK every year? I’ve read they can often be confused with a Female TuftedView attachment IMG_0342.JPG Duck? Any help would be appreciated as I’m very new to this hobby! Thanks

 

[Larry Sweetland]

The birds in flight look fine for Tufted Duck.

A handy hint btw if you are posting up a bird for ID is to give a location and a date.

 

[Nuthatcher_24]

The birds in flight look fine for Tufted Duck.

A handy hint btw if you are posting up a bird for ID is to give a location and a date.

Thanks for the response. Yea of course - this was RSPB Middleton Lakes, Bodymoor Heath, Midlands

 

[Richard Prior]

Welcome to Birdforum ( and to birding of course!). If as you say you are a beginner I wouldn’t start with an App but a good Field Guide like the Collins (other good ones for just the UK are available as the Collins covers all of Europe, Middle East and N Africa). In any decent Field Guide it would show the key differences between the Tufted and Ferruginous Duck which are clearly visible in your photos).
Good birding!

 

[Joern Lehmhus]

Indeed, a good field guide is essential!

you´d have easily recognized they are tufted ducks...and there are also Eurasian wigeon (Mareca penelope) in the background just before the reeds