Black water bird - UK (1 Viewer)

[B56c]

Scant knowledge of birds but wiling to learn.

Walking along a quiet river today in Cheshire, UK. Saw Canada geese, a few coots and a short distance away a black bird, about the same size as a coot, maybe a bit bigger, but white along its sides. Think the beak was black. Swimming with brown bird, presumed female mate. I've tried to find it online but have not been successful. Can you help?

 

[Nutcracker]

Tufted Duck, male and female.

 

[B56c]

Didn't notice a tuft though.

 

[B56c]

Looking at the pics I think you're right -definitely thick white band at sides. Couldn't see the tuft though. I thought the beak was white but checked with my friend who said black. Should have stuck with my own instinct.

Thanks for identifying.

 

[B56c]

Came across scaup and greater scaup. Is it possible it was either of them? Sure there wasn't a tuft. Small inland river.

 

[Nutcracker]

Came across scaup and greater scaup. Is it possible it was either of them? Sure there wasn't a tuft. Small inland river.

Scaup (a.k.a. Greater Scaup, same thing) only occur in winter in Britain, and usually only on the sea or large lakes, not rivers; they are also quite rare, whereas Tufted Ducks are fairly common.

The tuft on Tufted Ducks can be hard to see, and is missing for part of the year with moult. So its absence isn't a barrier to identity :t:

 

[B56c]

I accept your superior knowledge 😄

 

[B56c]

photo

Here's a photo but unfortunately it's not too clear. If it is a Tufted Duck, why would it not have its tuft now when I would expect it to be at its finest for breeding?

 

[TwoDipsfromAmsterdam]

As Nutcracker says, the tuft can often be difficult to see so its "absence" doesn't stop it being a Tufty.

David

 

[Rotherbirder]

Scaup (a.k.a. Greater Scaup, same thing) only occur in winter in Britain, and usually only on the sea or large lakes, not rivers; they are also quite rare, whereas Tufted Ducks are fairly common.

The tuft on Tufted Ducks can be hard to see, and is missing for part of the year with moult. So its absence isn't a barrier to identity :t:

Pair of Tufties, for all the reasons Nutcracker states.

 

[chris butterworth]

Definitely Tufted Duck.