Long-tailed Ducks near Toronto

Two adult males in winter plumage. This is the new plumage designation for this plumage. Some still believe the traditional designation of ducks in winter being in breeding plumage. This is because ducks attract a mate and pair off in the winter. Males are in their most beautiful plumage to attract a mate. Frenchman's Bay in Pickering near Toronto on 25 December 2016.

This is a first winter male. Birds of the Western Palearctic on page 633 says that on young males the pink band develops from October.

Another first winter male, more advanced in its molt.

Front view of the previous first winter male Long-tailed Duck.

Adult male with adult female (front) in rich brown winter plumage.

Adult female. Rich brown upper parts

First winter female? Females are highly variable. The best way to identify immature male and female Long-tailed Ducks is by bill colour. Godfrey (1986), Pyle (2008), National Geographic Guide (2011). Females have blackish, pale grayish to grayish blue bills. Frenchman's Bay in Pickering near Toronto on 25 December 2016.