The Long-tailed Duck has the deepest diving ability of any duck, reaching depths of 200 feet. It is also one of the most complexly plumaged birds, molting through four distinct plumages per year — more than any other duck. Males have long, flowing central tail feathers. Its yodeling calls are a characteristic sound of arctic bays.
Best time to see a Long-tailed Duck
The best time to see a Long-tailed Duck is January–April, when about 62% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 10,909 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Long-tailed Duck? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Long-tailed Duck sightings near you
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