Fuligula

Fuligula is a historic genus name in the family Anatidae that was used to classify a group of diving ducks, commonly referred to as pochards and related species. In modern taxonomy, Fuligula is largely obsolete; most species formerly placed in Fuligula have been reassigned to the genus Aythya, and the name survives mainly in older scientific literature and some regional references.

The tufted duck is the best-known example of this taxonomic shift. Its current scientific name is Aythya fuligula, illustrating how species once listed under Fuligula are now placed in Aythya. Other species historically included in Fuligula have undergone similar reclassification, and contemporary authorities generally treat Fuligula as a deprecated genus.

Description and ecology of the group are characteristic of diving ducks: medium-sized to relatively large birds with compact bodies, short necks, and strong legs placed toward the rear of the body to aid underwater propulsion. They typically feed by diving and foraging for aquatic plants, seeds, and invertebrates. Breeding occurs on freshwater lakes and wetlands, with many species undertaking seasonal migrations to milder climates during winter.

Etymology-wise, the name Fuligula derives from Latin fuligo meaning “soot,” with the diminutive suffix -ula, a reference to the dark plumage common among many of the species historically placed in this genus.

Today, the taxonomic status of Fuligula is largely historical, with current classifications favoring Aythya for the majority of the species once grouped under Fuligula. This reflects broader revisions in waterfowl taxonomy based on morphological and molecular data.