The long-tailed duck, known scientifically as Clangula hyemalis, is a medium-sized sea duck that breeds in the Arctic regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. It spends its winters farther south in coastal marine waters. This striking bird is known for its elongated tail feathers that give it a unique silhouette. The long-tailed duck has had several common names throughout history before its current standardized name was adopted.
What are some of the old names for the long-tailed duck?
The long-tailed duck has had numerous common names in the past that reflected its appearance, behavior, or habitat. Some of the old names for this species include:
- Oldsquaw
- Long-tail
- South-southerly
- Winter duck
- Calloo
- Squaw duck
- Old wife
- Old Injun
- Squeaker
Of these historic names, “oldsquaw” was the most widely used English common name for this species up until the late 20th century.
Why was “oldsquaw” the primary old name?
The name “oldsquaw” was long the standard English vernacular name used for the long-tailed duck in field guides, bird books, and naturalist accounts. This name dates back centuries and originated from the vocalizations of the females, which were said to sound like the chattering of old women.
Other versions of the name like “old wife” or “old woman” were also sometimes used. The term “squaw” itself has its roots in the Algonquian family of Native American languages, originally meaning “woman.” However, the name “oldsquaw” later took on increasingly negative connotations.
When did the name “long-tailed duck” become standardized?
By the late 20th century, many ornithologists and conservationists began criticizing the use of the name “oldsquaw” given its derogatory tone toward women and indigenous peoples. Due to these concerns, there was a movement to officially change the English name to the more descriptive “long-tailed duck.”
Some key events in formally adopting this new standardized name:
- In 1987, the American Ornithologists’ Union (AOU) approved the name change to long-tailed duck.
- In 1991, the name long-tailed duck was adopted by the British Ornithologists’ Union.
- Major field guides and birding resources shifted to using long-tailed duck in the 1990s and 2000s.
By around 2010, the name “long-tailed duck” had become firmly established as the accepted vernacular name used by ornithologists, birders, and wildlife agencies in North America and Europe. The old name of “oldsquaw” became fully obsolete.
What other ducks have had name changes?
The long-tailed duck is not the only duck species that has undergone an official name change in recent decades due to concerns over previous names being inappropriate or inaccurate. Some other examples include:
| Old Name | New Name |
|---|---|
| Ruddy duck | Stiff-tailed duck |
| Red-breasted merganser | Goosander |
| Common goldeneye | Whistler |
There were varied reasons for these changes, but most were related to choosing more descriptive, precise, and inoffensive names for these aquatic birds.
What are some identifying features of the long-tailed duck?
Now known definitively as the long-tailed duck, some key identifying features of this species include:
- Long, thin tail feathers that can be up to 9 inches in length
- Colorful black, white, and gray plumage
- Dark cap on head and white cheeks
- Stocky, medium-sized body
- Bright pink bill in breeding plumage
The male long-tailed ducks have the most striking tails in the breeding season. Females have slightly shorter tail feathers and duller plumage overall. The long tail is reduced after breeding but remains distinctive all year.
What is the habitat and diet of long-tailed ducks?
The long-tailed duck occupies a niche habitat and has adapted for its specific lifestyle:
- Nesting habitat: Breeds on inland lakes, ponds, and marshes in Arctic and subarctic regions.
- Wintering habitat: Coastal bays, estuaries, and offshore waters.
- Diet: Mainly mollusks, crustaceans, and some insect larvae. Will dive to depths of 60 feet to forage along ocean floors.
Their specialized diet and habitat preferences help distinguish them from other types of freshwater or diving ducks.
How do long-tailed ducks reproduce and raise young?
Long-tailed ducks have some notable breeding behaviors that allow them to be successful in the frigid Arctic:
- Nests on the ground near water, lined with down feathers.
- Lays clutches of 6-10 eggs.
- Incubation period is 22-24 days.
- Young leave nest shortly after hatching to feed independently.
- Females raise ducklings on their own with no male participation.
- Offspring grow rapidly and fledge at around 45 days.
The mothers are highly protective and may even carry ducklings on their backs while swimming between foraging sites. They rear their young rapidly to be ready for the southward migration in fall.
What is the conservation status of the long-tailed duck?
While still a relatively abundant species, long-tailed duck populations have been in decline:
- Global population estimated at 6.2 million birds.
- Declined by over 50% in recent decades in parts of range.
- Threats include habitat loss, hunting, pollution, disturbance.
- Classified as “Least Concern” by IUCN Red List but with decreasing population trends.
Further protections and habitat conservation will be needed to stabilize the long-tailed duck population. Responsible hunting regulations are also important to support this unique sea duck’s future.
Conclusion
In summary, the oldsquaw was the vernacular name used for the long-tailed duck for centuries until more recently being replaced for sensitivity reasons. This species is identifiable by its elongated tail feathers and colorful breeding plumage. It nests in the Arctic but winters along northern coastal waters, feeding on mollusks and other marine invertebrates. The long-tailed duck faces some conservation concerns, and it will take concerted efforts to ensure the stability of its populations across its circumpolar range into the future. Ongoing monitoring and protection of this species is advised.
