Long‑tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis)

Long‑tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis) - Birds Around Me 0283

- January 03, 2026

The Long‑tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis), once known as the “Oldsquaw” in North America, is a striking and highly specialized sea duck of the northern hemisphere. It is instantly recognizable by the male’s elegant long tail feathers, which can extend up to 10 cm, giving the species its name.

Female Long‑tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis)
Iceland, July 2025

Measuring 44–54 cm in length with a wingspan of 65–83 cm, the Long‑tailed Duck is relatively small compared to other sea ducks. Its plumage is remarkable for its seasonal changes. Males in winter display crisp black‑and‑white patterns with elongated tail feathers, while in summer they adopt a darker, more muted appearance. Females are more subdued, with brownish tones and shorter tails, though they too undergo seasonal shifts.

This species breeds in the Arctic tundra and northern wetlands, nesting near freshwater lakes and ponds. After breeding, it migrates south to spend winters along coastal waters, bays, and estuaries across North America, Europe, and Asia. In places like the Baltic Sea, Great Lakes, and North Atlantic coasts, large flocks can be seen diving and feeding throughout the colder months.

Long‑tailed Ducks are exceptional divers, capable of plunging to depths of 60 meters, making them among the deepest‑diving ducks. Their diet consists mainly of aquatic invertebrates, crustaceans, mollusks, and small fish, which they pursue underwater using rapid wingbeats.

Though globally listed as Vulnerable, populations have declined in some regions due to habitat loss, pollution, and entanglement in fishing nets. Conservation efforts focus on protecting Arctic breeding grounds and reducing threats in wintering areas.

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Ashutosh Jhureley @BirdsAroundMe