ID TIPS: Long-tailed Duck

KEY FIELD MARKS

1. Rounded head and short, stubby bill
2. Male has pink band across black bill
3. Body mostly white in winter male, pale brown in winter female
4. Lower chest dark in all plumages
5. Wings solidly dark
6. Elongated central tail feathers, most pronounced on male

WHAT TO LOOK AND LISTEN FOR

• A relatively small diving duck with a short bill and steep forehead. Long central tail feathers conspicuous on male.• Complex and distinctive face pattern at all seasons, with males and females both showing changes between winter and summer plumages.• Dark lower chest and white belly in all plumages; upperparts vary from mostly white to entirely dark.• Solidly dark above and below, without white markings, contrasting with pale body plumage in flight.• Lone birds.