Long-tailed duck

Scientific name: Clangula hyemalis

How weight is recorded: Whole weight

Field notes

Appearance

Males are striking with dark chocolate-brown upperparts, white face and underparts, and distinctive long tail streamers (4–9 cm extension). Females are duller brown with white patches on face and neck; both sexes show white eye-rings and are smaller than mallards.

Size and weight

Males 41–60 cm (550–700 g); females 37–52 cm (400–500 g). Females noticeably lighter and shorter than males.

Habitat

Long-tailed ducks breed on Arctic tundra, shallow lakes, and coastal wetlands in high northern latitudes. They winter on open ocean, large lakes, and coastal waters, favoring areas with minimal ice.

Distribution

Circumpolar breeder across Arctic tundra (Alaska, Canada, Siberia). Winters on coastal and offshore waters of northern Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic oceans; also large inland lakes in temperate zones.

Diet

Primary diet consists of aquatic invertebrates (amphipods, chironomid larvae, mollusks) obtained by diving; supplemented with aquatic plants and seeds, especially in winter when animal prey is scarce.

Behaviour

Highly gregarious and active divers, capable of reaching 60+ m depth. Often rest in large flocks on open water during day; most vocal duck species, producing loud yodeling calls year-round. Migratory, traveling between Arctic breeding grounds and southern wintering areas.

Hunting tips

Glass open water edges, leads in ice, and coastal bays from November through March. Approach from downwind using terrain features or boat drift; flocks are wary and will dive or flush readily. Best hunting occurs in rough water or early morning when visibility is reduced; decoy spreads work moderately well, though birds often trade rather than commit fully.

Whole weight

This species is logged by whole weight — the animal weighed entire, as taken.

Where it is hunted

Listed as huntable in 5 countries in Huntify.

Names in other languages

These field notes are general species knowledge, not legal advice. Always check the current seasons, quotas and firearm rules where you hunt.