The Long-tailed Duck is one of the most common sea ducks in Arctic Alaska, and has acircumpolar distribution. They are known for their ability to dive to impressive depths (> 60 m)in search of food (Robertson and Savard 2002). In Arctic Alaska, this species typically nests inwet tundra near shallow Carex or Arctophila-dominated ponds, and braided streams (Robertsonand Savard 2002). During the breeding season, their diet consists primarily of aquaticinvertebrates although they will also take vegetative matter (Robertson and Savard 2002). Duringpost-breeding molt, this species uses coastal lagoons and deep, open lakes (Robertson andSavard 2002). Long-tailed Ducks winter on both coasts of North America and on the Great Lakes(Robertson and Savard 2002).
