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Tufted ducks

 

 

The transit migration of tufted ducks still lasts in November. The autumn migrants are around thirty thousand; the greatest numbers of those who make a stop can be found at the Väike väin, Käina laht, Matsalu, Haapsalu Tagalaht and larger inland waters. If there are ice-free waters a few hundred winterers will remain in  western Estonia. Aquatic invertebrates: molluscs, crustaceans and insects are on the menu of these very skilled divers.

 

In flight the pretty white wing bands show characteristically. Only the male has the crest hanging down the nape. The female’s plumage is uniformly dark brown and the nape crest is only a vague hint.

 

Tufted duck