Long-tailed Duck - Clangula hyemalis

The Long-tailed Duck is a small, neat sea duck. They have small round heads and steep foreheads. In winter the male is mainly white with some brownish-black markings. Males also have greatly elongated tails feathers - hence the name. Females are browner. In flight they show all dark wings and white bellies.

The best chance of seeing Long-tailed Ducks is from sea watching points around the coast in winter, particularly in northern Scotland, Shetland and Orkney.

Most often seen in winter.

Feeds on mussels, cockles, clams, crabs and small fish.

They do not breed in the UK but protection of their wintering sites is important, because they are vulnerable to oil pollution at sea. A winter visitor and passage migrant to the UK, most common from Northumberland north to northern Scotland.

Uncommon in Leicestershire & Rutland.