Long-tailed Duck

Overview

The long-tailed duck, formerly called the oldsquaw, is a fast, elegant sea duck of northern coasts and a prized sea-duck trophy. Drakes carry long pin tails and a shifting seasonal plumage, and they fly in low, twisting flocks that test any shooter.

Identification & Appearance

Winter drakes are boldly pied black and white with a pink-banded bill and two long central tail feathers; hens are duller brown and white. Flight is fast, low and erratic, with birds tipping side to side.

Range & Habitat

They winter on cold northern seas - the Great Lakes, New England and Alaska - diving deep for crustaceans and small shellfish farther offshore than most ducks.

Behavior & Sign

Long-tails raft far out and trade low along the coast in fast, bunched flocks, calling with a distinctive yodel. They decoy to sea-duck spreads but move quickly.

Hunting Seasons & Timing

Hunted in sea-duck seasons of late fall and winter from layout boats in open water.

Hunting Methods

Sea-duck decoy lines off points and open water, hunted from layout boats; fast pass-shooting is common.

Gear & Optics

A 12-gauge with steel #2 to #4, a seaworthy boat and cold-water safety gear. Leading fast, low birds is the shooting challenge.

Shot Placement & Field Care

Lead generously on fast, twisting flocks and recover divers quickly in cold water.

Meat & Eating Quality

Strong and fishy like other sea ducks; usually breasted and cooked boldly.

Mistakes That Cost a Shot

Under-leading fast birds, unsafe open-water conditions, and poor cold-weather preparation.

Regulations & Conservation

Managed under sea-duck seasons and limits. Confirm current regulations and safety before hunting. We do not give legal advice.

FAQ

Why the old name? "Oldsquaw" was retired; long-tailed duck is now standard.

Hard to shoot? Yes - fast, low and erratic in flight.