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White-winged Scoter
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| [Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note |
The White-winged Scoter of North America (Melanitta fusca deglandi) is one of three subspecies of Melanitta fusca found throughout Holarctic waters, which also includes M. f. stejnegeri of Western Asia and the Velvet Scoter (M. f. fusca) of Eastern Asia and Europe. This large sea duck can be distinguished from the two other scoter species, the Surf (M. perspicillata) and Black Scoter (M. nigra), by its white speculum on a black wing, while the others have a completely black wing. White-wing Scoters, often called White-wings or black ducks, are larger than the other two species and the adult male has a white “slash” below the eye.
Habitat
During the breeding season, White-winged Scoters can be found on large freshwater and brackish lakes and wetlands where they feed in shallow waters primarily on aquatic invertebrates, with nesting occurring in upland habitat. Flying low along shorelines, sometimes touching the wave tops on windy days, White-winged Scoters migrate to coastal areas by following large lakes and rivers. Wintering on both Atlantic and Pacific coasts, they prefer the shallow inshore waters of bays, estuaries and exposed coastline. |
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Hi Peter,
there is something perturbing in your pic. Could it be the strong contrast and the intensive colours? Real sharp but I have trouble to recognize the two ducks. Perhaps because of the agitated reflections in front of the ducks.
best regards
Pierre
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