Long-tailed Duck

🔍 Overview

A striking Arctic duck, usually seen off the Sussex coast in winter. Rare inland.

🪶 Key Identification Features

Male winter: White head and body, dark cheek patch, long tail

Female: Dusky with pale face

Compact body, agile diver

🗺️ Habitat & Distribution

Most often seen in Brooklands and off  Shoreham Harbour, and Lancing Beaches in November–April.

🎶 Voice & Behaviour

Yodeling “ow-ow-ow” calls at breeding grounds (silent here). Dives frequently and can be hard to spot in rough seas.