UK Wildlife

Tufted Duck Urban Wetland Success

The tufted duck is one of the UK's most successful diving ducks, having expanded dramatically through the 20th century by colonising urban reservoirs and park lakes.

Key Facts

Tufted duck expanded its UK breeding range throughout the 20th century following the spread of zebra mussels
UK breeding population around 16,000-19,000 pairs, with 100,000+ winter visitors
Male has black and white plumage with a distinctive drooping crest
Dives for molluscs, invertebrates and aquatic plants
Successfully colonised urban park lakes and reservoirs across the country

Welfare Considerations

Tufted ducks have benefited from urban wetland creation and the spread of introduced molluscs. Maintaining water quality in urban lakes supports their food resources. Cold winters can make diving for food more energetically costly.

What You Can Do

Support urban lake and reservoir management that maintains water quality
Provide quiet zones in urban parks for wintering diving ducks
Record tufted duck through WeBS counts to contribute to monitoring