This restless diver of cold oceans and bays is one of the prize waterfowl to see on a coastal winter day. Although the loud, musical call of males is seldom heard in Oregon, we can still be cheered on a chilly day by this energetic visitor from the north.

The winter males' body is mostly white except for a black breast and central back; the wings are dark, scapulars long and gray, and the dark central tail feathers elongate. Winter females are darker above with a light head; scapulars and tail feathers are short and dark. Dark areas mark females' heads and males' necks.

Long-tailed ducks are rare to uncommon winter visitors along the coast and inland on the Columbia River and on lakes throughout the state. They typically occur singly or in pairs but groups of up to 13 have been observed along the coast.

Hear the call of the long-tailed duck

Photo by Will, Flickr