Tufted Duck
Aythya fuligula
Lacha bhadánach

The Tufted Duck is a widespread and, in some places, abundant winter visitor. Although smallish in size, the pied plumage of the males makes them easily recognizable from a distance. Only the male has the tuft on the back of the head; the female is dull chocolate brown. In flight, a clear white bar shows on the wings of both sexes. Tufted Ducks stay to nest on islets on a few of Ireland’s larger lakes.

Information extracted from the Appletree Press title
Appletree Deluxe Editions: Ireland's Flora & Fauna - Birds
by Gordon D'Arcy.