The male Tufted Duck is boldly patterned and distinctive, with an overall black appearance, bright white flanks (which are whiter than those of a Scaup), and a floppy crest. The female is dark brown overall with a short crest, paler flanks, striking golden-yellow eyes, and often a messy white patch at the base of the bill. In flight, both sexes display a bold white wing stripe. This duck is commonly found in flocks during winter and primarily feeds by diving, though it often spends much of the day resting. It is a widespread breeder across Eurasia and migrates to central Africa, India, and Southeast Asia for the winter. In North America, where it is a rare winter vagrant, it is almost always found singly among flocks of Scaup. Compared to Scaup, the Tufted Duck is characterized by its very dark blackish back, and even near-tuftless females are darker with a more limited white facial patch.