Long-tailed Duck
Clangula hyemalis
Length 40-47cm

Attractive diving duck. Winter visitor from northern breeding grounds between October and March. Male characterised by long, narrow tail and has mainly black and white plumage with buffish wash on face and pink band on bill in winter (A); occasionally seen in summer plumage (B) when head, neck and breast all-black except for pale patch on face. Female lacks male's long tail streamers and has brown and white plumage, darker on head and neck during summer months. Invariably found on coastal waters in restless flocks which dive frequently and take to wing often. Indifferent to rough seas and sometimes seen diving among crashing waves on sandy beaches. Small numbers occur off many coasts in Britain and Ireland but sizeable flocks seen only off Scotland, N England and N Ireland.