Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis), Golf Course Rd. wastewater ponds in Holbrook, Navajo County

This Long-tailed Duck was discovered by Eric and Elaine Hough in Holbrook on 15 February 2009.  It was photographed by Eric Hough the same day. 

This species is a rare winter visitor to Arizona.  It is rare but regular along the Colorado River but rarer elsewhere in the state. 

This bird appears to be a first winter female. It had a pale gray-blue bill, whitish coloration on the face with some pale brown on the crown. It lacked the brown oval facial patch that adults of this species would have. Also, its wings were dark brown while its sides and breast had a very pale brown coloration. Its throat had a dark brown ring of color surrounding it. Long-tailed Duck has a very complex sequence of molts and plumages. 

15 February 2009, photo by Eric Hough