Formerly known as the Oldsquaw, the Long-tailed Duck is an arctic breeder, but moves some distance south in the winter, with individuals occasionally reaching southern states. When migrating, Long-tailed Ducks usually move along coastlines during the day, but fly over inland areas at night.
Long-tailed Ducks are far more adept at swimming and diving than they are at flying or walking. When underwater, they use their wings rather than their feet for propulsion. Males begin courtship as early as the fall, although females are seldom receptive until February
The plumage of the males is variable depending on the age and time of year, but is distinctive and hard to confuse with other species. They go through a series of molts and partial molts from April to October, resulting in a wide range of plumages. Dark, pointed wings in all plumages. Swift fliers.
Description of the Long-tailed Duck
BREEDING MALE
The Long-tailed Duck is highly variable by season and gender, but has a small bill and short, pointed wings. Dark crown, back, and breast.
– White underparts and face.
-Long tail streamer.
Length: 16-22 in. Wingspan: 28 in.
Male in breeding plumage, only a few white feathers remain on the back of the head. Note the color pattern of the bill, similar in all male plumages. Photograph © Tom Grey
Male in winter plumage. Neck and back of head now mostly white, instead of black. Plumages on the back reduced. Photograph by Alan Wilson.
Male in breeding plumage. Photograph @ Glenn Bartley.
The wings are uniformily dark above and below. The feathers in the wings appear badly worn. Photograph @ Glenn Bartley.
Male in winter plumage, the long tail is still present. Photograph @ Glenn Bartley.
The long tails are not present immediately after molting. Note the variable amount of white on the two trailing birds. The lead bird appears to have an all black bill even though it is a male. Wings pointed but short. Photograph @ Glenn Bartley.
Female
Mostly brown with white areas around the eyes. White undertail area.
Adult female in winter plumage. Note white face and extensive white under the tail. Photograph © Alan Willson.
Female in spring plumage. Mostly dark head and small bill. Photograph @ Glenn Bartley.
Seasonal change in appearance
Males are whiter in winter with dark cheek patches.
Juvenile
Juveniles resemble adult females.
Juvenile Long-tailed Duck. Photograph © Tom Grey.
Habitat
Oceans and large lakes.
Diet
Mollusks, crustaceans, and insects.
Behavior
Forages by diving.
Range
Breeds in Alaska, arctic Canada, and Greenland and winters off the east and west coasts, on the Great Lakes, and occasionally on other inland lakes.
More information:
Bent Life History
Visit the Bent Life History for extensive additional information on the Long-tailed Duck.
Wing Shape
The shape of a bird’s wing is often an indication of its habits and behavior. Fast flying birds have long, pointed wings. Soaring birds have long, broad wings. Different songbirds will have a slightly different wing shape. Some species look so much alike (Empidonax flycatchers) that scientists sometimes use the length of specific feathers to confirm a species’ identification.
Wing images from the University of Puget Sound, Slater Museum of Natural History
Fun Facts
The Long-tailed Duck was formerly known as the Oldsquaw.
Male Long-tailed Ducks defend nesting territories, although the female’s nest is sometimes outside of the territory of her mate.
Vocalizations
Long-tailed Ducks produce three-note, yodeling calls and are very vocal.
Nesting
The nest is a depression lined with plants and down.
Number: 6-8.
Color: Olive.
Incubation and fledging: Young hatch at 24-29 days. Young fledge (leave the nest) shortly after hatching but remain with the female for some time.