Tufted Duck in Chester Co, PA

A female Tufted Duck (above far right), first found by Holly Merker on March 18, continues to be seen. In the presence of Ring-necked Ducks, Ruddy Ducks, a Greater Scaup and few Mallards and Northern Shovelors, she is relatively easy to separate and identify.

In spite of its name, the tuft is not always visible, though she does have a hint of one (above). It is the males in breeding plumage that have a long drooping tuft. She is overall darker than the Ring-necked females with fewer markings, little to no white around the base of the bill, a rounded head and a noticeable yellow eye. One thing that I did notice is that while nearly all the Ring-necked Ducks float with their tails held up, similar to Ruddy Ducks, this was not always the case with the female Tufted Duck – in spite of the photographs! Maybe it is just not as pronounced.

She is being seen just north of the town of Eagle in Upper Uwchlan Twp, Chester County. Taking Rte 100 north from the Downingtown Exit of the PA Turnpike, go through Eagle to Fellowship Road. Turn right on Fellowship go less than half a mile. The bird has been on one of two water treatment ponds viewable from the gravel car park on the north western side of road. Check the PA ListServ on Birdingonthe.Net    www.birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/PENN.html    for the latest updates.

If it is not visible it may be that it is on the furthest pond and obscured by the rock embankment or sleeping on the rocks.

This is a common waterfowl that breeds across Northern Europe and Asia. It has only been recorded in Pennsylvania a couple of times and those have all been males.