Long-tailed Duck
NameLong-tailed Duck
Common NameLong-tailed Duck
Scientific NameClangula hyemalis
FamilyAnatidae
Wingspan (cm)75.5
Length (cm)50
Weight (g)750
Plumage DetailsMales in breeding plumage, as pictured, exhibit a striking pattern: a white head with a large dark brown cheek patch, a dark brown breast and back, reddish-brown scapulars, and white flanks and belly. The bill is dark with a pink band. Females and non-breeding males have a less contrasting, more subdued plumage.
Vocalization / CallKnown for its distinctive, yodeling call, often described as 'ow-ow-ow-OW-ow' or 'coal-coal-coal-OW-ow', which is loud and carries far over water.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatscoastal, tundra, wetland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds in Arctic tundra regions across North America, Europe, and Asia. Winters extensively along temperate coastal waters of both continents, including the Great Lakes in North America.
Identifying Featureslong pointed tail feathers (males), distinctive head pattern (white head with dark cheek patch in breeding male), dark breast and reddish-brown back (breeding male), small bill with pink band (breeding male), diving behavior
Description
The Long-tailed Duck is a medium-sized sea duck characterized by its distinctive long, pointed tail feathers, especially prominent in breeding males. These highly migratory birds are expert divers, spending much of their lives foraging in cold coastal waters.
