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Mike Dilger on the Long-tailed Duck

Mike Dilger celebrates a sonorous sea duck which visits Britain in the winter.

The long-tailed duck is a winter visitor to the north of Britain, travelling from its breeding grounds in the Arctic Circle to overwinter at a few special sites, such as Scotland's Moray Coast, where they can be found between November and April.

Male long-tailed have black and white plumage, dusky cheek patches and trademark long, black tail plumes. Female long-tailed ducks tend to have browner plumage. These diving ducks mainly eat shellfish and small fish, and are known for their yodelling calls.

Ecologist and TV presenter Mike Dilger is a big fan of these 'dapper' creatures, and remembers seeing them on a filming trip to Canada's High Arctic, where they were nesting on the high tundra.

Presented by Mike Dilger and produced by Jo Peacey. A 麻豆社 Audio Bristol Production.

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1 minute

Last on

Sun 23 Nov 2025 08:58

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  • Sun 23 Nov 2025 08:58

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