Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis) & Greater Scaup (Aythya marila)
Long-Tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis)
[order] Anseriformes | [family] Anatidae | [latin] Clangula hyemalis | [UK] Long-Tailed Duck | [FR] Harelde kakawi | [DE] Eisente | [ES] Havelda | [IT] Moretta codona | [NL] Ijseend
Measurements
spanwidth min.: 70 cm
spanwidth max.: 74 cm
size min.: 38 cm
size max.: 58 cm
Breeding
incubation min.: 24 days
incubation max.: 29 days
fledging min.: 35 days
fledging max.: 50 days
broods 1
eggs min.: 6
eggs max.: 10
Physical characteristics
The Long-tailed Duck is a distinctive sea duck with a short bill and heavy body. The short, pointed, all-dark wings of the Long-tailed Duck are evident in all sexes and plumages. In breeding plumage, the male has a long, black tail-plume, a white rump and belly, and black breast. The head and back are black, with brown shoulders and a white patch around the eye. In winter the brown on the back is replaced by white, and the head is white with a gray cheek-patch. In spring, the female is gray with a white rump, and white around the eye and at the nape of the neck. In winter, she has a white face with dark crown and cheek-patch. The juvenile is similar to the female--gray with white, although it has more white on its face than the female.
Long-tailed Ducks dive and swim under water, and, while they propel themselves with their feet like other ducks, their wings are sometimes partly opened under water. Most feeding is done within 30 feet of the surface, but they are capable of diving more than 200 feet below the surface. Long-tailed Ducks fly low with stiff and shallow wing-beats, often tilting from side to side.
Habitat
Long-tailed Ducks breed in shallow tundra ponds and lakes. During other seasons, Long-tailed Ducks can be found on the ocean over sandy substrates. They prefer sheltered water, but can be found on the open ocean as well.
Other details
Clangula hyemalis is a widespread breeder in northernmost Europe, which accounts for less than half of its global breeding range. Its European breeding population is large (>690,000 pairs), and was stable between 1970-1990. Although trends in Greenland, Iceland and Sweden during 1990-2000 were unknown, populations were stable elsewhere-including in the Russian stronghold-and the species probably remained stable overall.
This duck has a wide distribution at high latitudes in Eurasia and North America. Most of the birds inhabiting northern Europe are wintering in the Baltic Sea. This population is estimated at 4.5 millions of individuals, but only a few thousand reach the Wadden Sea and only stragglers are recorded more south, especially in hard winters. The birds of Greenland and Iceland reach the west of the British islands. This population is estimated at 150000 individuals. Both populations seems stable (Scott & Rose), despite the fact that some decrease has been reported from Scandinavia and that the bird is sensitive to oil pollution of the s
Feeding
For Long-tailed Ducks at sea, mollusks and crustaceans are the main source of food. In summer, aquatic insects, other aquatic invertebrates, and some plant material are eaten.
Conservation
This species has a large range, with an estimated global Extent of Occurrence of 100,000-1,000,000 km². It has a large global population estimated to be 7,200,000-7,800,000 individuals (Wetlands International 2002). Global population trends have not been quantified, but the species is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List (i.e. declining more than 30% in ten years or three generations). For these reasons, the species is evaluated as Least Concern. [conservation status from birdlife.org]
Breeding
Most female Long-tailed Ducks first breed at the age of two. Pair bonds are established in the winter, or during the spring migration, and last until incubation begins. The nest is located on dry ground close to the water, often hidden in the undergrowth or among rocks. It is a depression lined with plant material and great quantities of down that the female adds to the nest after she begins laying. She usually lays from 6 to 11 eggs and incubates them for 24 to 29 days. Shortly after hatching, the young leave the nest and can swim and dive well. The female tends them and may dislodge food items for them when she is diving, but they feed themselves. They first fly at 35 to 40 days.
Migration
Migratory and partially migratory. winters mainly offshore between 55 degrees North and 75 degrees North and in Baltic Sea. Icelandic breeders are partial migrants, some remaining to winter around coasts, others moving to southern Greenland. Baltic Sea appears to be the most important wintering area in west Palearctic. Though extensive moult migration occurs in east Siberia, in west Palearctic males moult on coasts and lakes close to breeding areas either solitarily or in small flocks. Movements beginning late June to early July. Large flocks build up August-September as females and young desert breeding areas. Some reach south Sweden mid-September, but overland passage from White Sea to Gulf of Finland mostly 1st half October. Main influx to west Baltic November or December. Return movement North and Baltic Seas from mid-March, with major overland passage towards White Sea in May. They return to breeding areas dependent on thaw, late April or early May in Iceland, mid-May to mid-June in Russian tundras.
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Greater Scaup (Aythya marila)
[order] Anseriformes | [family] Anatidae | [latin] Aythya marila | [UK] Greater Scaup | [FR] Fuligule milouinan | [DE] Bergente | [ES] Porrón Bastardo | [IT] Moretta grigia | [NL] Topper
Measurements
spanwidth min.: 71 cm
spanwidth max.: 80 cm
size min.: 42 cm
size max.: 51 cm
Breeding
incubation min.: 26 days
incubation max.: 28 days
fledging min.: 40 days
fledging max.: 45 days
broods 1
eggs min.: 8
eggs max.: 13
Physical characteristics
The male Greater Scaup has white flanks, a black rump and breast, and barred gray back. He has a green-black iridescent head and light gray-blue bill. The adult in its second year has a yellow eye. The male in non-breeding plumage has a black head and breast, brown body, and black rump. The female is brownish overall, also with a yellow eye after the age of two. The female also has a white semi-circle at the base of the beak. The Greater and Lesser Scaup can be difficult to distinguish in the field. The Greater Scaup averages about 10% longer and 20% heavier than the Lesser Scaup. The Lesser Scaup has a peaked, angular head that the Greater Scaup lacks. The Greater Scaup has a larger bill with a more pronounced nail (tip of the bill) than the Lesser Scaup. Seen in flight, the white on the wings of the Greater Scaup extends into the primaries, where it is gray on the Lesser Scaup. Habitat, range, and season may help differentiate between the two species, as well as using a field guide and working with experienced observers.
Outside of the breeding season, Greater Scaup form large flocks or rafts, numbering in the thousands. In tidal waters, they tend to face up-current. While individuals may drift downstream, birds from the back of the flock fly to the front, maintaining the raft in the same position. A diver, the Greater Scaup catches its food under water, but eats it on the surface. Occasionally scaups forage at or near the water's surface as well.
Habitat
The Greater Scaup is the more northerly of the two species of North American Scaup. In the summer, they breed on marshy, lowland tundra at the northern limits of the boreal forest. In winter, they gather in coastal bays, lagoons, and estuaries, with some wintering on inland lakes. While the Greater Scaup does overlap with the Lesser Scaup in winter, it tends to frequent more open, exposed areas.
Other details
Aythya marila breeds in northern Europe, and winters mainly in north-western Europe and the Black Sea, which together account for less than half of its global wintering range. Its European wintering population is large (>120,000 individuals), and was stable between 1970-1990. Although most wintering populations were broadly stable during 1990-2000, there were substantial declines in north-western Europe, and the species probably underwent a very large decline (>50%) overall.
This duck has a wide distribution at high latitudes in Eurasia and North America. In Europe its mainly marine wintering area is reaching the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, but most birds winter in the Baltic and North Seas. This north-western European population is estimated at 310000 individuals. A decline has been recorded in the British Isles and in Denmark; an increase in the Netherlands and Germany. Its global trends are unknown
Feeding
Mollusks and plant material are both important components of the Greater Scaup's diet. In the summer, aquatic insects and crustaceans are also eaten.
Conservation
This species has a large range, with an estimated global Extent of Occurrence of 1,000,000-10,000,000 km². It has a large global population estimated to be 1,100,000-1,400,000 individuals (Wetlands International 2002). Global population trends have not been quantified, but the species is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List (i.e. declining more than 30% in ten years or three generations). For these reasons, the species is evaluated as Least Concern. [conservation status from birdlife.org]
Breeding
While Greater Scaup may nest at one year of age, they are more likely to begin breeding at the age of two. Pair formation begins in late winter or early spring on the wintering grounds and during migration back to the breeding grounds. The pair bond lasts until the female begins to incubate, and then the male leaves. Nests are located close to the water on an island, shoreline, or floating mat of vegetation, often close together in loose colonies. The female makes a shallow depression lined with grass. During incubation, the female adds down to the nest. Incubation of the 6 to 9 eggs lasts for 23 to 28 days. Soon after they hatch, the female leads the young to the water. Multiple broods may form small crèches and be tended by one or more females. The young can swim and find their own food immediately, but can't fly until about 40 to 45 days old
Migration
Migratory, winters along coasts of North America (Atlantic and Pacific), NW Europe, Black and Caspian Seas and Japan, Yellow and East China seas. At some localities (e.g. Central Europe, Great lakes of North America) also inland. Males to remain much further N than females or immatures
Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis) & Greater Scaup (Aythya marila)
Long-Tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis)
[order] Anseriformes | [family] Anatidae | [latin] Clangula hyemalis | [UK] Long-Tailed Duck | [FR] Harelde kakawi | [DE] Eisente | [ES] Havelda | [IT] Moretta codona | [NL] Ijseend
Measurements
spanwidth min.: 70 cm
spanwidth max.: 74 cm
size min.: 38 cm
size max.: 58 cm
Breeding
incubation min.: 24 days
incubation max.: 29 days
fledging min.: 35 days
fledging max.: 50 days
broods 1
eggs min.: 6
eggs max.: 10
Physical characteristics
The Long-tailed Duck is a distinctive sea duck with a short bill and heavy body. The short, pointed, all-dark wings of the Long-tailed Duck are evident in all sexes and plumages. In breeding plumage, the male has a long, black tail-plume, a white rump and belly, and black breast. The head and back are black, with brown shoulders and a white patch around the eye. In winter the brown on the back is replaced by white, and the head is white with a gray cheek-patch. In spring, the female is gray with a white rump, and white around the eye and at the nape of the neck. In winter, she has a white face with dark crown and cheek-patch. The juvenile is similar to the female--gray with white, although it has more white on its face than the female.
Long-tailed Ducks dive and swim under water, and, while they propel themselves with their feet like other ducks, their wings are sometimes partly opened under water. Most feeding is done within 30 feet of the surface, but they are capable of diving more than 200 feet below the surface. Long-tailed Ducks fly low with stiff and shallow wing-beats, often tilting from side to side.
Habitat
Long-tailed Ducks breed in shallow tundra ponds and lakes. During other seasons, Long-tailed Ducks can be found on the ocean over sandy substrates. They prefer sheltered water, but can be found on the open ocean as well.
Other details
Clangula hyemalis is a widespread breeder in northernmost Europe, which accounts for less than half of its global breeding range. Its European breeding population is large (>690,000 pairs), and was stable between 1970-1990. Although trends in Greenland, Iceland and Sweden during 1990-2000 were unknown, populations were stable elsewhere-including in the Russian stronghold-and the species probably remained stable overall.
This duck has a wide distribution at high latitudes in Eurasia and North America. Most of the birds inhabiting northern Europe are wintering in the Baltic Sea. This population is estimated at 4.5 millions of individuals, but only a few thousand reach the Wadden Sea and only stragglers are recorded more south, especially in hard winters. The birds of Greenland and Iceland reach the west of the British islands. This population is estimated at 150000 individuals. Both populations seems stable (Scott & Rose), despite the fact that some decrease has been reported from Scandinavia and that the bird is sensitive to oil pollution of the s
Feeding
For Long-tailed Ducks at sea, mollusks and crustaceans are the main source of food. In summer, aquatic insects, other aquatic invertebrates, and some plant material are eaten.
Conservation
This species has a large range, with an estimated global Extent of Occurrence of 100,000-1,000,000 km². It has a large global population estimated to be 7,200,000-7,800,000 individuals (Wetlands International 2002). Global population trends have not been quantified, but the species is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List (i.e. declining more than 30% in ten years or three generations). For these reasons, the species is evaluated as Least Concern. [conservation status from birdlife.org]
Breeding
Most female Long-tailed Ducks first breed at the age of two. Pair bonds are established in the winter, or during the spring migration, and last until incubation begins. The nest is located on dry ground close to the water, often hidden in the undergrowth or among rocks. It is a depression lined with plant material and great quantities of down that the female adds to the nest after she begins laying. She usually lays from 6 to 11 eggs and incubates them for 24 to 29 days. Shortly after hatching, the young leave the nest and can swim and dive well. The female tends them and may dislodge food items for them when she is diving, but they feed themselves. They first fly at 35 to 40 days.
Migration
Migratory and partially migratory. winters mainly offshore between 55 degrees North and 75 degrees North and in Baltic Sea. Icelandic breeders are partial migrants, some remaining to winter around coasts, others moving to southern Greenland. Baltic Sea appears to be the most important wintering area in west Palearctic. Though extensive moult migration occurs in east Siberia, in west Palearctic males moult on coasts and lakes close to breeding areas either solitarily or in small flocks. Movements beginning late June to early July. Large flocks build up August-September as females and young desert breeding areas. Some reach south Sweden mid-September, but overland passage from White Sea to Gulf of Finland mostly 1st half October. Main influx to west Baltic November or December. Return movement North and Baltic Seas from mid-March, with major overland passage towards White Sea in May. They return to breeding areas dependent on thaw, late April or early May in Iceland, mid-May to mid-June in Russian tundras.
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Greater Scaup (Aythya marila)
[order] Anseriformes | [family] Anatidae | [latin] Aythya marila | [UK] Greater Scaup | [FR] Fuligule milouinan | [DE] Bergente | [ES] Porrón Bastardo | [IT] Moretta grigia | [NL] Topper
Measurements
spanwidth min.: 71 cm
spanwidth max.: 80 cm
size min.: 42 cm
size max.: 51 cm
Breeding
incubation min.: 26 days
incubation max.: 28 days
fledging min.: 40 days
fledging max.: 45 days
broods 1
eggs min.: 8
eggs max.: 13
Physical characteristics
The male Greater Scaup has white flanks, a black rump and breast, and barred gray back. He has a green-black iridescent head and light gray-blue bill. The adult in its second year has a yellow eye. The male in non-breeding plumage has a black head and breast, brown body, and black rump. The female is brownish overall, also with a yellow eye after the age of two. The female also has a white semi-circle at the base of the beak. The Greater and Lesser Scaup can be difficult to distinguish in the field. The Greater Scaup averages about 10% longer and 20% heavier than the Lesser Scaup. The Lesser Scaup has a peaked, angular head that the Greater Scaup lacks. The Greater Scaup has a larger bill with a more pronounced nail (tip of the bill) than the Lesser Scaup. Seen in flight, the white on the wings of the Greater Scaup extends into the primaries, where it is gray on the Lesser Scaup. Habitat, range, and season may help differentiate between the two species, as well as using a field guide and working with experienced observers.
Outside of the breeding season, Greater Scaup form large flocks or rafts, numbering in the thousands. In tidal waters, they tend to face up-current. While individuals may drift downstream, birds from the back of the flock fly to the front, maintaining the raft in the same position. A diver, the Greater Scaup catches its food under water, but eats it on the surface. Occasionally scaups forage at or near the water's surface as well.
Habitat
The Greater Scaup is the more northerly of the two species of North American Scaup. In the summer, they breed on marshy, lowland tundra at the northern limits of the boreal forest. In winter, they gather in coastal bays, lagoons, and estuaries, with some wintering on inland lakes. While the Greater Scaup does overlap with the Lesser Scaup in winter, it tends to frequent more open, exposed areas.
Other details
Aythya marila breeds in northern Europe, and winters mainly in north-western Europe and the Black Sea, which together account for less than half of its global wintering range. Its European wintering population is large (>120,000 individuals), and was stable between 1970-1990. Although most wintering populations were broadly stable during 1990-2000, there were substantial declines in north-western Europe, and the species probably underwent a very large decline (>50%) overall.
This duck has a wide distribution at high latitudes in Eurasia and North America. In Europe its mainly marine wintering area is reaching the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, but most birds winter in the Baltic and North Seas. This north-western European population is estimated at 310000 individuals. A decline has been recorded in the British Isles and in Denmark; an increase in the Netherlands and Germany. Its global trends are unknown
Feeding
Mollusks and plant material are both important components of the Greater Scaup's diet. In the summer, aquatic insects and crustaceans are also eaten.
Conservation
This species has a large range, with an estimated global Extent of Occurrence of 1,000,000-10,000,000 km². It has a large global population estimated to be 1,100,000-1,400,000 individuals (Wetlands International 2002). Global population trends have not been quantified, but the species is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List (i.e. declining more than 30% in ten years or three generations). For these reasons, the species is evaluated as Least Concern. [conservation status from birdlife.org]
Breeding
While Greater Scaup may nest at one year of age, they are more likely to begin breeding at the age of two. Pair formation begins in late winter or early spring on the wintering grounds and during migration back to the breeding grounds. The pair bond lasts until the female begins to incubate, and then the male leaves. Nests are located close to the water on an island, shoreline, or floating mat of vegetation, often close together in loose colonies. The female makes a shallow depression lined with grass. During incubation, the female adds down to the nest. Incubation of the 6 to 9 eggs lasts for 23 to 28 days. Soon after they hatch, the female leads the young to the water. Multiple broods may form small crèches and be tended by one or more females. The young can swim and find their own food immediately, but can't fly until about 40 to 45 days old
Migration
Migratory, winters along coasts of North America (Atlantic and Pacific), NW Europe, Black and Caspian Seas and Japan, Yellow and East China seas. At some localities (e.g. Central Europe, Great lakes of North America) also inland. Males to remain much further N than females or immatures