Velvet Scoter
Velvet Scoter
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19 hours ago
The White-winged Scoter is the largest of the scoters, identifiable by the distinctive white wing patch visible in flight and often at rest. Males are uniformly black with a prominent white crescent under the eye, while females are dark brown.
Where to spot
Breeds on large freshwater lakes and rivers in northern North America (Alaska, Canada) and Siberia. Winters extensively along the Pacific and Atlantic coasts of North America, and coasts of northern Europe (e.g., Baltic Sea).
How to spot
Scan offshore waters and large lakes. The white wing patch is key; look for it even on resting birds. Males are large and black with a white eye-crescent and a swollen orange bill with a black knob. Females are dark brown with two indistinct whitish facial patches and the white wing patch.
When to spot
Best observed during winter along coastlines or large inland waters.
Where to spot
Breeds on large freshwater lakes and rivers in northern North America (Alaska, Canada) and Siberia. Winters extensively along the Pacific and Atlantic coasts of North America, and coasts of northern Europe (e.g., Baltic Sea).
How to spot
Scan offshore waters and large lakes. The white wing patch is key; look for it even on resting birds. Males are large and black with a white eye-crescent and a swollen orange bill with a black knob. Females are dark brown with two indistinct whitish facial patches and the white wing patch.
When to spot
Best observed during winter along coastlines or large inland waters.
Credits:
Frank.Vassen
White-winged Scoters possess a unique call, often described as a throaty 'chur-chur,' which can be heard from distant flocks.
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