Tufted Duck (The favourite duck)

Those eyes are magical. MAE©2011

There is no doubt in my mind, that the Tufted Duck or Tuffy is my all time favourite duck. Not that other ducks are not to be favoured, but you can't challenge taste or preferences. The way they look at you with there very bright and yellow eyes is close to magical. But the most lovely feature must be their little tuft at the back of their head, which looks as if they are ready for mischief and pranks.


The Tufted duck is called a Kuifeend in Dutch and in Latin their name is: Aythya fuligula. They can be found all year round in lakes and ponds. Their normal food supply comes from below the water and they can dive for quite a long time.

Mother with some extra kids. MAE©2011

I have seen mother Tuffies with a huge amount of ducklings, sometimes even with some toddlers adopted from another species. They seem to be very dedicated to their care, but then again: what else is there to do. The male Tuffies are not seen around the kids...

I could go on about these ducks forever. But the joy of taking pictures of them should speak for itself. Therefore I have dedicated some web space to this wonderful duck.


Hurray for the Tufted duck!

Three males and a female. MAE©2011