Watercolor portrait of Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis)

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis
Arctic breeder Breeds on Arctic tundra wetlands—shallow… Uncommon to fairly common, locally abundant in winter along coasts and large lakes Yodeling winter song

Learn to identify the Long-tailed Duck by ear. Master the "ah-ah-ah-ah-OH-a-lee" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“ah-ah-ah-ah-OH-a-lee”

What the Long-tailed Duck sounds like

The Long-tailed Duck is a small, agile sea duck renowned for the drake’s striking winter plumage with elongated central tail feathers. Exceptionally deep-diving, it spends most of its life on open water, where it plunges to impressive depths in pursuit of prey. Complex seasonal molts give the species drastically different looks between winter and summer, and between sexes.

“ah-ah-ah-ah-OH-a-lee”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:Males utter melodious, far-carrying yodels while in winter flocks; often delivered in rapid sequences. Often written as “ah-ah-ah-ah-OH-a-lee”.
Don't confuse with:The Harlequin Duck — smaller without long tail spike

Where you'll hear it

Breeds on Arctic tundra wetlands—shallow pools, tundra ponds, and coastal marshes. Outside the breeding season it favors cold, open saltwater: arctic seas, coastal bays, fjords, and the Great Lakes.

Breeds May–August in high Arctic; southbound migration September–November; winters November–April; returns north April–May.

Similar species

Harlequin Duck

Smaller without long tail spike

Surf Scoter

Stockier sea duck with swollen multi-colored bill

Long-tailed Duck song FAQ

What does a Long-tailed Duck sound like?
Males utter melodious, far-carrying yodels while in winter flocks; often delivered in rapid sequences. Listen for the "ah-ah-ah-ah-OH-a-lee" phrase.
How do I tell a Long-tailed Duck from a Harlequin Duck by sound?
Harlequin Duck: Smaller without long tail spike; Males have intricate white and rufous pattern, not large white areas; Females darker with distinct facial patch but shorter bill.
When is the best time to hear a Long-tailed Duck?
Breeds May–August in high Arctic; southbound migration September–November; winters November–April; returns north April–May.