The Old Squaw Drake: A Brief Overview

The Old Squaw Drake or Long-tailed Duck is a striking bird that belongs to the family of sea ducks. This bird is known for its unique and distinctive appearance, particularly its long tail feathers. The Old Squaw Drake is a fascinating bird that captures the attention of many bird watchers and nature enthusiasts. In this article, we will provide an overview of the physical characteristics, habitat, range, diet, breeding behavior, life cycle, and conservation status of the Old Squaw Drake.

Physical Characteristics of the Old Squaw Drake

The Old Squaw Drake is a medium-sized duck that measures around 19-24 inches in length and has a wingspan of approximately 28-31 inches. The male and female Old Squaw Drake have different physical characteristics. The male Old Squaw Drake has a distinctive white and black plumage with a long, pointed tail. The head of the male Old Squaw Drake is black with a white cheek patch and a small black bill. The female Old Squaw Drake, on the other hand, has a brownish-gray plumage with a smaller and less pointed tail. The female has a dark bill and a white eye ring.

The Old Squaw Drake has a unique vocalization that sounds like a high-pitched whistle or trill. This vocalization is often heard during the breeding season when the males are courting females. The Old Squaw Drake is also known for its diving abilities. This bird can dive to depths of up to 200 feet in search of food, which is a unique characteristic among ducks.

Habitat and Range of the Old Squaw Drake

The Old Squaw Drake is a bird of the Arctic tundra and coastal areas. During the breeding season, the Old Squaw Drake can be found in the Arctic regions of North America and Eurasia. The Old Squaw Drake breeds in the wetlands and tundra areas of Alaska, Canada, Greenland, Iceland, and Russia. During the winter months, the Old Squaw Drake can be found in the coastal waters of North America, Europe, and Asia. The Old Squaw Drake prefers to spend the winter months in shallow coastal waters, bays, estuaries, and harbors.

Diet and Feeding Habits of the Old Squaw Drake

The Old Squaw Drake is a diving duck that feeds on a variety of small marine invertebrates, fish, and mollusks. The Old Squaw Drake is known to feed on crustaceans, such as shrimp and crabs, and also on small fish, such as sand lance and capelin. The Old Squaw Drake feeds by diving to the bottom of shallow waters and using its bill to search for food. This bird can stay underwater for up to a minute while searching for food.

Breeding Behavior and Life Cycle of the Old Squaw Drake

The Old Squaw Drake is a monogamous bird that breeds during the summer months. The male Old Squaw Drake courts the female by performing a display that involves calling, head bobbing, and preening. The female Old Squaw Drake chooses the male based on his display and the quality of his territory. The male Old Squaw Drake defends his territory against other males and attempts to mate with the female.

The female Old Squaw Drake lays around 5-8 eggs in a shallow depression on the ground, usually near a body of water. The eggs are incubated for around 25-30 days by the female. Once the eggs hatch, the young Old Squaw Drakes are able to swim and dive within a few hours. The female Old Squaw Drake takes care of the young birds and provides them with food. The young birds fledge after around 35-43 days and become independent soon after.

Conservation Status of the Old Squaw Drake

The Old Squaw Drake is classified as a species of Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The global population of Old Squaw Drakes is estimated to be around 600,000 to 1.5 million individuals. The Old Squaw Drake is not considered to be threatened, although it is vulnerable to habitat loss and pollution. The Old Squaw Drake is also hunted for sport and food in some areas, which can affect its population. However, the Old Squaw Drake is protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act in the United States and under similar legislation in other countries.

In conclusion, the Old Squaw Drake is a fascinating bird that is known for its unique appearance, vocalization, and diving abilities. This bird is found in the Arctic regions of North America and Eurasia during the breeding season and in coastal waters during the winter months. The Old Squaw Drake feeds on small marine invertebrates, fish, and mollusks and is a monogamous bird that breeds during the summer months. The Old Squaw Drake is not considered to be threatened, although it is vulnerable to habitat loss and pollution. Bird watchers and nature enthusiasts can appreciate the beauty and wonder of the Old Squaw Drake and learn more about this amazing bird.