Long-tailed Duck
VulnerableClangula hyemalis
Visual Identification
Long-tailed Duck
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
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
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
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
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.
Lifespan
years
The Long-tailed Duck typically lives for 15 to 20 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
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.
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:
AnatidaePredators
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?
- 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.
Was this bird profile helpful?
Your feedback helps us improve our content
Community Experience
Community Ratings
No ratings yet - be the first to rate this bird!
Latest Community Reviews
No reviews yet
Sign in to be the first to review
References
- 1
website: BirdLife International. 2018. Clangula hyemalis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22680427A132528200.
View source - 2 3
report, 2011: Skov et al.