Formerly known as Oldsquaw, Long-Tailed Ducks are some of my favorite ducks! I think they are beautiful and charming characters.

They are a diving duck, and have been known to dive more than 200 feet (60m) in search of mollusks to feed upon!

Unlike most ducks, drakes molt their feathers three times a year, creating a changing and complex different set of body patterning. Shown here are early winter breeding plumages. The drake is in the back, while the hen is up front.

Acrylic on hard board, 9" x 12"