Long-tailed ducks are migrating
Photos: Arne Ader
Translation: SilverT
Migrating long-tailed ducks
Long-tailed duck Aul Clangula hyemalis
Although long-tailed ducks do not nest in Estonia, we can see more or less of these diving ducks throughout the year. More active migration started in the end of September, as usual.
Male birds are easily recognized by their long „manly spear-bearer“ pair of middle tail feathers. Old male birds can have tail feathers which are around twenty centimeters in length. Let`s look at the plumage which the travellers are wearing – long-tailed ducks change their plumage several times in a year. Male birds look lighter in color than females: whitish head, large brown spots on the sides of the neck, black back, whitish shoulders, dark brown chest and white belly. Orange stripe on the bill. Female birds are greyish brown: the head, neck and lower body are lighter in color, while the top of the head, the back and chest feathers are greyish brown.
Long-tailed ducks are smaller-sized diving ducks, who use their single-colored wings rapidly in flight.
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