Tufted ducks are not difficult to see at Croome, they are quite common on the Lake and all along the river, although they are not around much in the summer. They are diving ducks, so will disappear underwater for a good few seconds before reappearing elsewhere on the lake.

In the photo below, the one on the left is a male, black and white. The female on his right is a similar pattern two-tone brown. When the sun catches the male's head, it can show as a beautiful iridescent purple (below) or green (as in the second photo). They get their name from the tufty feathers on the back of their necks. Like many ducks, they have a friendly smile.