Bird Description

Breeds in US heartlands north to tundra. Fairly common in freshwater and coastal marshes though just as likely to be seen grazing in agricultural fields. Sometimes forms very large tight flocks, particularly in W. Small groups often fly in loose lines or V's. ID: Usually best to id by structure alone: slim, long-necked, long-tailed with erect posture creating very distinctive elegant appearance. This slim appearance is just as obvious in flight. Relatively plain upper wing. Male striking with brown head and white neck stripe - a very 'thoughtful' and somewhat dapper look. Long tail with black butt distinctive at long range. Females are plain and pale brown, particularly on face and neck; simple but elegant. Juv and eclipse males appear as female until they start molting new adult-type feathers in fall. Sex is sometimes easiest to determine in flight: males are white-bellied with gray flanks, females browner with coarse flank markings.