Pronunciation: [tˈʌftɪd dˈʌk] (IPA) 
The word "tufted duck" is spelled as /ˈtʌftɪd dʌk/. The first syllable "tuft" is pronounced as /tʌft/ and refers to the tuft of feathers behind the male duck's head. The second part, "ed" is added to indicate that it is a past tense verb referring to the act of having tufts. The word "duck" is phonetically represented as /dʌk/, with a short "u" sound followed by the hard "k" sound, indicating the duck's species.
The tufted duck (Aythya fuligula) is a medium-sized diving duck species belonging to the Anatidae family. It is widely distributed across Europe and Asia, and has also been introduced to various regions as a game bird.
The tufted duck is typically around 40–47 centimeters long, with the males being slightly larger than the females. They have a distinctive black and white plumage pattern, with the males having a tuft of feathers at the back of their head which can be raised or lowered depending on their mood. The females, on the other hand, have more subtle markings and lack the tuft.
These ducks are primarily found in freshwater habitats such as lakes, reservoirs, and marshes. They are skilled divers, with the ability to dive to considerable depths in search of their main diet which consists of aquatic plants, insects, mollusks, and small fish.
During breeding season, tufted ducks form monogamous pairs. The females build nests concealed amidst vegetation near the water's edge, usually using reeds and other plant materials. After incubating the eggs for around 26–30 days, the female hatches a brood of around 8–12 ducklings.
The tufted duck is regarded as a highly adaptable and resilient species, able to tolerate a wide range of climatic conditions and human-made disturbances. It is often observed in large flocks during winter months, sometimes mingling with other duck species. Conservation efforts strive to maintain suitable habitat and protect their populations from various threats, including pollution and habitat loss.
The word "tufted duck" is composed of two main parts: "tufted" and "duck".
The term "tufted" refers to the distinctive tuft or crest of feathers on the head of the bird. It comes from the Middle English word "tufte", which ultimately derives from the Old French word "tofe" or "touffe". In this context, it describes a bunch or clump of feathers.
The term "duck" comes from the Old English word "duce", which is derived from the Old Norse word "dúkr". It refers to a variety of swimming birds or waterfowls.
When combined, "tufted duck" describes a specific species of duck that is recognized by its tufted or crested head.
