Species Profile
Long-tailed Duck
Clangula hyemalis
Long-tailed Duck
Quick Facts
Conservation
VUVulnerableLifespan
15–20 years
Length
37–60 cm
Weight
500–1000 g
Wingspan
73–79 cm
Migration
Long-distance Migrant
Also known as: Oldsquaw
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Appearance
The Long-tailed Duck is a relatively small sea duck species with a distinctive elongated tail (seen only on the male). Males in breeding plumage have a striking black-and-white pattern with a pink band on the bill. Females are more subdued, with brown plumage and a white eye ring.
This species undergoes complex seasonal plumage changes. Winter males have a primarily white head with a dark cheek patch, while summer males display a dark head with white around the eye. The long central tail feathers are present year-round in males.
Winter females have stubby grey bills, brown eyes, a white eye patch and flanks, and a brownish-grey crown, wings, neck, rump, tail and breast. Their summer breeding plumage is darker, with less white on the face.
Juveniles resemble breeding females but are paler, with brownish flanks and less-defined facial markings.
Identification & Characteristics
Male Colors
- Primary
- White
- Secondary
- Grey
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- Grey
Female Colors
- Primary
- Brown
- Secondary
- Grey
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- Grey
Female Markings
Dark crown and cheek patch, white eye-ring
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & Distribution
Long-tailed Ducks breed in the Arctic tundra near freshwater lakes and ponds. During winter, they migrate to coastal marine environments, including bays, estuaries, and open oceans. Their range extends across northern North America, Europe, and Asia.
In North America, they winter along both coasts, while in Europe, they can be found along the Baltic Sea and North Sea coasts. In the UK, they are regular winter visitors to eastern coastal areas, particularly in Scotland and northeast England.
Distribution
Where to See This Bird
Explore regional guides for locations where this bird has been recorded.
Diet
Long-tailed Ducks primarily feed on aquatic invertebrates, including crustaceans, molluscs, and small fish. Their diet shifts seasonally, with a greater emphasis on fish during winter months in marine environments.
They are exceptional divers, often foraging in deeper waters than other sea ducks, frequently picking items up off the ocean or lake floor.
Behaviour
Long-tailed Ducks are excellent divers, capable of reaching depths of up to 60 meters to forage. They are highly social, often forming large flocks during winter and migration.
These ducks are known for their constant vocalisations, earning them the nickname 'noisy ducks' among birdwatchers.
Calls & Sounds
Long-tailed ducks are dubbed the most vocal sea ducks. They are known for their ‘talkative’ nature and constant chattering. They have a distinctive yodelling call that sounds like 'ow-ow-owdle-ow'. This call can be heard year-round and is often described as musical or bugle-like.
During courtship, males produce a series of soft cooing sounds, contributing to their reputation as 'noisy ducks'.
Nesting & Breeding
Long-tailed Ducks form pairs on wintering grounds before migrating to Arctic breeding areas. They typically arrive at breeding sites in late May or early June, when sea ice melts.
Nests are built on the ground, often close to water, and lined with down. Females lay 6-8 olive-buff-coloured eggs in the nest, which is well-concealed in vegetation or rock crevices.
Incubation lasts about 24-29 days, carried out solely by the female. Ducklings are precocial and can swim, dive and start foraging shortly after hatching. They fledge after 35-40 days but may stay with the female for several weeks after that.
Conservation
The Long-tailed Duck is classified as Vulnerable due to significant population declines. Threats include oil spills, entanglement in fishing gear, and climate change affecting their Arctic breeding grounds.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting key wintering and breeding habitats, and reducing marine pollution.
Elevation
Sea level to 100 meters
Additional Details
- Predators:
- Main predators include Arctic foxes, gulls, and large raptors such as Snowy Owls and Peregrine Falcons. In marine environments, they may fall prey to large fish and seals.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Long-tailed Ducks in coastal areas during winter, especially in northern regions.
- Listen for their distinctive yodelling call, often heard before the birds are seen.
- Observe their unique diving behaviour, as they spend more time underwater than on the surface.
- In the UK, watch for them along eastern coasts from October to April.
Did You Know?
- Long-tailed Ducks can dive to depths of over 60 meters, deeper than any other duck species.
- They undergo three moults per year, more than any other bird species.
- Their down feathers are highly prized for insulation in cold-weather gear.
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