Long-tailed Duck
Clangula hyemalis
Copied!
Clangula hyemalis
Copied!
Mass
~870 g
Habitat
Wetlands and marshes
Diet
Fish and aquatic animals
How to recognize it
The Long-tailed Duck stands out most by the male’s very long tail and the way it sits on the water — compact and alert, with the tail held high. It has a sturdy look and a low, streamlined shape that fits life on open water.
It is a lively, noisy duck. Males call often, especially in spring and early summer, and a flock can sound surprisingly full and musical; they also make their presence known when taking off or landing. When leaving the water, they run into the wind before lifting off.
Outside the breeding season it stays far from shore, on the sea or large lakes, and during breeding it uses tundra and forest-tundra waters. It feeds by diving to the bottom for mollusks, crustaceans, small fish, and other aquatic food, and in winter it often gathers in large flocks.
Quick Facts
The Long-tailed Duck stands out most by the male’s very long tail and the way it sits on the water — compact and alert, with the tail held high. It has a sturdy look and a low, streamlined shape that fits life on open water.
It is a lively, noisy duck. Males call often, especially in spring and early summer, and a flock can sound surprisingly full and musical; they also make their presence known when taking off or landing. When leaving the water, they run into the wind before lifting off.
Outside the breeding season it stays far from shore, on the sea or large lakes, and during breeding it uses tundra and forest-tundra waters. It feeds by diving to the bottom for mollusks, crustaceans, small fish, and other aquatic food, and in winter it often gathers in large flocks.
How to recognize it
You might also see
Sources
- eBird — Clangula hyemalis Sightings map and full description on eBird
- Wikipedia — Long-tailed duck Encyclopedia article