Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

Vulnerable
One of the most distinctive duck breeds, thanks to their extended streaming tail feathers, the long-tailed duck is a coastal waterbird that spends winters at sea, foraging for crustaceans in marine waters, after breeding on Arctic tundra landscapes.
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Visual Identification

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.

Size

Length

37cm to 60cm

Wingspan

73cm to 79cm

Weight

500g to 1000g

Colours

Male Female

Primary Colour

White Black Brown

Secondary Colour

Grey

Beak Colour

Black Pink

Leg Colour

Grey

Primary Colour (Female)

Brown White

Secondary Colour (Female)

Grey

Beak Colour (Female)

Black

Leg Colour (Female)

Grey

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

The Long-tailed Duck is not typically found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The Long-tailed Duck is not typically found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The Long-tailed Duck can be found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The Long-tailed Duck can be found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The Long-tailed Duck is not typically found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The Long-tailed Duck is not typically found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The Long-tailed Duck is not typically found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The Long-tailed Duck is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The Long-tailed Duck is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The Long-tailed Duck is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The Long-tailed Duck is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The Long-tailed Duck is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

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.

Elevation Range

Sea level to 100 meters

Climate zones

Arctic, Subarctic, Temperate

Distribution Map

This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Long-tailed Duck. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.

A few things to keep in mind:

  • Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
  • Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
  • This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations

We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:

  • More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
  • How birds move around during different seasons
© 2024 - Birdfact
Resident
Breeding
Non-breeding
Passage
Vagrant

Distribution by Region

Species that can be found in the area throughout the year
Canada China Denmark Estonia Finland Germany Greenland Iceland India Japan Kazakhstan Kyrgyzstan Mexico Nepal North Korea Norway Pakistan Poland Russia Saint Pierre and Miquelon South Korea Sweden
Species that are present in the area during their breeding season
Russia Svalbard and Jan Mayen Islands United States of America
Species that are present in the area outside their breeding season
Austria Azerbaijan Belgium Bulgaria Czech Republic Faroe Islands France Greece Hungary Iran Ireland Italy Latvia Lithuania Macedonia Montenegro Netherlands Romania Serbia Slovakia Slovenia Spain Switzerland The United Kingdom Ukraine
Species that pass through the area during migration
Belarus Turkmenistan
Species that appear infrequently (rare) and unpredictably outside their normal range
Armenia Bermuda Bosnia and Herzegovina Croatia Israel Jordan Luxembourg Portugal Turkey

Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

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Bird Attributes Explained

Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.

Attribute Categories:
  • Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
  • Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
  • Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
  • Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
  • Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

Understanding the Ratings:

  • 0-20: Very Low
  • 21-40: Low
  • 41-60: Average
  • 61-80: High
  • 81-100: Very High

Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 90

Agility

Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.

The Long-tailed Duck demonstrates exceptional agility, particularly in its diving abilities. Capable of reaching depths of over 60 metres and spending considerable time underwater, these ducks showcase remarkable manoeuvrability in aquatic environments.

Strength 65

Strength

Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.

While not exceptionally strong for their size, Long-tailed Ducks possess adequate strength to dive deeply and withstand harsh Arctic conditions. Their ability to migrate long distances also indicates a fair degree of muscular endurance.

Adaptability 85

Adaptability

Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.

Long-tailed Ducks exhibit high adaptability, thriving in both Arctic tundra and marine environments. Their complex seasonal plumage changes and ability to shift diet based on habitat demonstrate significant adaptive capabilities.

Aggressiveness 40

Aggressiveness

Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.

Generally not considered aggressive, Long-tailed Ducks are highly social and form large flocks. However, they may display some territorial behaviour during breeding season, warranting a moderate aggression rating.

Endurance 95

Endurance

Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

Long-tailed Ducks showcase remarkable endurance. Their ability to dive frequently to great depths, undergo long-distance migrations, and survive in harsh Arctic conditions all point to exceptional stamina and resilience.

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.

Vocalisation

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 and Status

Global Conservation Status

Vulnerable [1]

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.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

3,200,000 - 3,750,000 individuals [2]

Global Population Trend

[3]

Trend data may be uncertain or fluctuating

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.

Additional Information

Quick Facts

Other names:

Oldsquaw

Family:

Anatidae

Average Lifespan

15 to 20 years

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.

Did You Know?

  1. Long-tailed Ducks can dive to depths of over 60 meters, deeper than any other duck species.
  2. They undergo three moults per year, more than any other bird species.
  3. Their down feathers are highly prized for insulation in cold-weather gear.

References

  1. 1

    website: BirdLife International. 2018. Clangula hyemalis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22680427A132528200.

    View source
  2. 2 3

    report, 2011: Skov et al.

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