Long-tailed Duck Bird Details
Clangula hyemalis
Long-tailed Duck,Oldsquaw (in North America), Sea Duck;
Lambi-pu?ch vaala battakh
Carl Linnaeus in 1758.
Anseriformes (DUCKS)
Anatidae
Clangula
Canada, The United States, Greenland, Norway, Sweden, and Russia, Indian Ocean(Gujarat and Maharashtra)
Appearance :
The male Long-tailed Duck has a distinctive appearance with a long, pointed tail and a striking plumage of black, white, and brown during the breeding season. Females and non-breeding males are mottled brown and gray, providing good camouflage.
Behaviour :
Long-tailed Ducks are social birds, often found in flocks, especially during the winter months. They are known for their distinctive, plaintive calls. During breeding, they are more solitary, typically forming monogamous pairs.
Habitat :
They primarily inhabit coastal waters, particularly in Arctic and sub-Arctic regions. They are often found in open ocean areas, bays, and estuaries.
Diet :
Their diet mainly consists of small fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and aquatic insects. They dive to catch their prey, often foraging in deep water.
Conservation Status :
Near Threatened
Distribution :
Long-tailed Ducks breed in the Arctic regions of North America and Eurasia. They migrate south to coastal waters during winter, reaching as far as the northeastern United States and parts of Europe.
Population Size :
The global population is estimated to be around 1.5 million individuals.
Life Span :
The average lifespan of Long-tailed Ducks is around 10 to 15 years in the wild.
Body And Tarsus:
- Body: The Long-tailed Duck has a streamlined, compact body that is well-adapted for diving and swimming. The male exhibits a striking appearance during the breeding season with contrasting colors, while the female has more subdued tones.
- Tarsus Length: Approximately 4.5–5.5 cm (1.8–2.2 inches).
Head And Bill :
- Head: The head is rounded and relatively small compared to the body, with a smooth contour.
- Eyes: The eyes are dark and positioned towards the sides of the head, which helps in spotting predators and prey while swimming.
- Bill: The bill is short, broad, and slightly hooked at the tip, ideal for catching slippery prey.
- Bill Length: Approximately 3.5–4 cm (1.4–1.6 inches).
Length :
The overall length of the Long-tailed Duck is about 38–50 cm (15–20 inches).
Neck :
The neck is relatively short and thick, contributing to the bird's robust appearance.
Size :
Males are generally larger than females, with males weighing more and having more elongated tail feathers.
Tail Details :
- Tail: The Long-tailed Duck has a long, pointed tail, which is one of its distinctive features.
- Tail Length: The tail can measure up to 15 cm (6 inches) in length.
- Feathers: The plumage varies between males and females. Males have a striking combination of black, white, and brown during the breeding season, while females are mottled brown and gray.
Weight :
Males typically weigh between 800–1,200 g (1.8–2.6 lbs), while females weigh slightly less, around 700–1,000 g (1.5–2.2 lbs).
Wing :
The wings are short and pointed, designed for agility in the air and efficiency in diving.
Wing Span :
The wingspan ranges from approximately 70–85 cm (27–33 inches).
Facial Feature :
The Long-tailed Duck has a rounded head with a small, short bill. Males have distinct facial markings with a mix of black, white, and brown, while females have more muted coloration.
Nest Details :
- Nest: Description: The nest is typically a shallow depression in the ground, often hidden among dense vegetation or grasses.
- Nest Made Up Of: Nests are constructed from materials such as grasses, reeds, and down feathers from the female, providing insulation and comfort for the eggs.
Breeding Season :
Breeding typically occurs from late May to early July.
Nesting Season :
The nesting season for Long-tailed Ducks typically occurs from late May to early July.
Egg Color :
The eggs are usually pale blue or greenish, sometimes with darker spots or speckles.
Egg Length :
The average egg length is about 4.5–6 cm (1.8–2.4 inches).
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: The average egg width is approximately 3.2–4 cm (1.3–1.6 inches).
- Egg Weight: Each egg weighs around 40–60 grams (1.4–2.1 ounces).
Clutch Size :
The clutch size ranges from 5 to 8 eggs, although it can vary slightly.
No. of Broods :
Long-tailed Ducks typically raise one brood per breeding season.
Incubation Period :
The incubation period lasts about 28 to 30 days.
Nestling Period :
Ducklings usually leave the nest within a day or two after hatching.
Vocalization :
Long-tailed Ducks are known for their distinctive calls, which can be described as a series of soft, plaintive whistles or hoots.
Sex Demorphism :
Males are larger and more vividly colored during the breeding season, with distinctive black and white plumage, while females are more cryptic with mottled brown feathers for camouflage.
Migration Details :
- Migration Pattern: Long-tailed Ducks are migratory birds. They breed in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions and migrate south to coastal areas during the winter months.
- Migration Period: Migration typically occurs in the fall (August to November) as they leave their breeding grounds and in the spring (March to May) when they return to breeding areas.
- Migration Route: Their migration routes primarily include coastal waterways, with some birds traveling along the eastern and western coasts of North America and across parts of Europe and Asia.
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