Geese, Ducks, Mergansers

Long-tailed Duck, Clangula hyemalis

Family Anatidae (Geese, Ducks, Mergansers)

Size: 16" (female), 21" (male)

Season: Winter

Habitat: Offshore coastal waters

Also known as the old-squaw, the long-tailed duck is a small sea duck with distinctive, long, thin central tail feathers (in males). The winter male is boldly patterned white and black with silvery gray scapulars and flanks and a broad black breast band. The head is white with a gray face and darker cheek patch, white eye ring, and two-toned black-and-pink bill. The female is dark brown above and on the breast, with a white face and black crown. When summering in the far north and Alaska, its plumage becomes darker. Propelled by wings and feet, long-tailed ducks dive deep into the water (up to 200 feet) in search of marine invertebrates and plants. They voice a collection of noisy clucks or a loud, far-reaching yodel. The female (top) and winter male (bottom) are illustrated.