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Long-tailed ducks are mid-sized sea ducks; they have a more tapered body than do most sea ducks and a short neck and short bill. Males are 40-53 cm long, not counting the long tail; females are 38-43 cm. An adult weighs 715-1000 grams.

Long-tailed ducks have the most complex molt of any species of waterfowl with three different plumages during the year. Both the male and female have distinctly different breeding and winter plumages, but only the male has, as its name implies, two slim and elongated central tail feathers. From October through March, the male's basic plumage is about equally black and white. It has a pink band around its dark bill that is more prominent in winter.

By April, the breeding plumage emerges and the male becomes mostly black-brown with a large white/gray cheek patch and white flanks and belly. As summer progresses, its head and neck become whiter and its flanks a darker gray. Plumage of females, like males although less pronounced, is predominantly white in the fall and winter and brown in the spring and early summer. Light areas on the head and neck are more extensive during the winter months. Both males and females have unpatterned dark wings.

Long-tailed ducks are the most vocal sea duck, with a melodious yodeling by males that resembles ow ow owoolett. Until recently, this sea duck was known as the Oldsquaw in North America. Its name was officially changed to be consistent with the European common name.