Peräsin

Peräsin, also known as the Finnish long-tailed duck (*Clangula hyemalis*), is a medium-sized seabird belonging to the family Anatidae, which includes ducks, geese, and swans. It is widely distributed across the Arctic and subarctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere, with breeding populations found in northern Europe, Asia, and North America. The species is particularly notable for its striking appearance and distinctive behavior, earning it a place in both ornithological studies and local folklore.

The peräsin is easily recognizable by its long, pointed tail feathers, which are more pronounced in males. During the breeding season, males exhibit a striking black-and-white plumage with a distinctive white patch on their wings and a black head with a white eye-ring. Females are more subdued, with brown and white mottling, though they retain the long tail feathers. Both sexes have a slender, streamlined body adapted for diving, a key behavior in their feeding habits.

Peräsin primarily feeds on small aquatic invertebrates, such as crustaceans, mollusks, and amphipods, which it locates by diving underwater. It is often found in coastal waters, estuaries, and open seas, though it may also venture into freshwater bodies during migration. The species is migratory, wintering in more temperate regions where ice cover limits access to food sources in its breeding grounds.

Conservation status for the peräsin is generally stable, with no major threats identified globally. However, habitat degradation, pollution, and climate change—particularly the loss of Arctic sea ice—could pose indirect risks to its populations. It is protected under various regional agreements, including those governing bird migration and wetland conservation.

In Finnish culture, the peräsin holds symbolic significance, often appearing in traditional art and literature as a symbol of resilience and adaptability. Its name, *peräsin*, derives from the Finnish word for "tail," reflecting its most distinctive feature. The bird is also a subject of interest in birdwatching and ecological research due to its ecological role in Arctic ecosystems.