White-winged Scoter
Waterfowl Identification
The White-winged Scoter, Melanitta fusca, drake has black wings with a large white speculum visible when flying and sometimes seen while sitting. It also has a small white crescent under its white eyes. Its bill is orange with a black knob at the base. Its flanks and belly are brownish, though the drake may appear black from a distance. The hen has white wing patches, a brown head and body, a dark eye and white patches at the base of the bill and below the eye.
Scoters are sea ducks, wintering on open coastal waters. White-wings are among the heaviest and largest of all ducks.
Length: 21 1/2"
Weight: 3 1/2 lbs.
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