Long-tailed Duck
Clangula hyemalis
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About
A medium-sized Arctic sea duck (~780 g) in family Anatidae, males having elongated central tail feathers. Breeds across circumpolar tundra; winters in large flocks on coastal and open-ocean waters. Dives to impressive depths for crustaceans, fish, and mollusks. Vulnerable; steep population declines linked to bycatch in fishing nets and climate change.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 43.1 cm | 17.0 in |
| Weight | 782.0 g | 27.58 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Male in winter is mostly white with dark brown chest band, scapulars, and cheek patch; elongated central tail feathers extend well beyond body. Female is brownish with white face, dark crown, and pale underparts.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Circumpolar High Arctic breeder. Winters at sea on coasts of northwestern Europe, northeastern North America, and the Bering Sea region.
Diet & Feeding
Dives deeply for crustaceans, molluscs, and small fish in Arctic and subarctic seas. Freshwater invertebrates eaten in summer.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: SC. Incubation: 24-29 days. Fledging: 35-40 days.
Clutch Size
2-11
Sound
Song
Male sings a musical, yodeling ow-owlet-aaaalett sequence; female gives a low, grunting quack. The male's loud, harmonious yodeling is arguably the most musical call among all waterfowl species.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes (Waterfowl) |
| Family | Anatidae (Ducks, Geese & Swans) |
| Genus | Clangula |
| Species | Clangula hyemalis |
Distribution
Long-tailed Duck has been recorded in 6 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Long-tailed Duck eat?
Where does the Long-tailed Duck live?
Is the Long-tailed Duck endangered?
How does the Long-tailed Duck nest?
What does the Long-tailed Duck sound like?
How big is the Long-tailed Duck?
What order and family does the Long-tailed Duck belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Anatidae family