Family: Anatidae, Ducks and Geese view all from this family
Description 17" (43 cm). Male a stocky blackish duck with flashing white flanks and wispy crest. Female warm brown, paler on flanks, with small white patch at base of bill; little or no crest.
Habitat Wooded lakes, streams, and marshes; in winter often in estuaries and shallow coastal bays.
Nesting 8-10 pale buff or greenish eggs in a down-lined bowl of grass concealed under a bush or tussock, usually near water.
Range Breeds in northern Eurasia; casual in North America, chiefly along coasts in Alaska, California, and northeastern states. Most often seen near urban areas.
Voice Various soft growling notes; low whistles.
Discussion This Old World bird is a counterpart of the Ring-necked Duck of North America. Fast-flying diving ducks, they may be found in the company of Ring-necked Ducks, Long-tailed Ducks, scaup, and goldeneyes, or by themselves on urban reservoirs. Some North American Tufted Ducks undoubtedly represent escaped captive birds, especially those seen near large cities in the Northeast.
