Long-tailed Ducks

Long-tailed Ducks are a winter visitor here after they migrate from the Arctic coast. They are strong swimmers and great divers that can go quite deep to feed on crustaceans, mussels and small fish. This is a female.

The males are in their non-breeding, or eclipse, plumage. The white and black areas on the head, neck and breast swap to the opposite color when the duck is in breeding plumage. The long tail feathers that give this duck its name are clearly visible as it dives. Only the males have them.