LONG-TAILED DUCK in breeding plumage

The finished piece

Feather detail

                                           

 FUN FACTS:    (courtesy of seaduckjv.org)

~ Long-tailed ducks are mid-size sea ducks found in the northern regions of North America

~ Their estimated population is one million, with the greatest concentration in Canada

~ They are the most vocal sea duck

~ They are characterized by a tapered body, short neck & short bill

~ Only the males have the two slim, elongated central tail feathers

~ They fly close to the water's surface in constantly changing formations, 

   often twisting in flight, alternately showing the white belly versus the dark back

~ This species can dive 200 feet deeper than any other duck