ExploreBirds

White-winged Scoter

Melanitta deglandi

The White-winged Scoter is a unique duck with striking white wing patches. They love to dive underwater to find tasty food like clams and snails. These birds are often seen in coastal areas during winter.

Habitat: Coastal areas

Appearance

The White-winged Scoter is a large, bulky sea duck, predominantly black with a distinct white patch on its secondary wing feathers, visible in flight and at rest. Males have a bulbous orange-yellow bill with a black knob at the base, while females have a dusky bill and plainer head.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderAnseriformesFamilyAnatidaeGenusMelanitta
White-winged Scoter
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White-winged Scoter

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Their fluffy, dark ducklings are almost black, perfectly camouflaged in their marshy nests!

They can stay underwater for over a minute, using wings to 'fly' for food!

Unlike many ducks, they nest in freshwater but prefer saltwater oceans for winter!

White-winged Scoters migrate over 3,000 miles from the Arctic to southern coasts!

Special abilities

Ability

Deep Diver

White-winged Scoters can dive over 60 feet deep because of their dense bones and powerful legs that help them reach food.

Ability

Underwater Vision

They have excellent underwater eyesight that helps them spot clams and mussels in murky seafloor environments.

Ability

Shell Crusher

The White-winged Scoter has a strong, broad bill that helps them crush hard-shelled mollusks and crustaceans.

Measurements & details

Length
48-58 cm
Wingspan
80-99 cm
Weight
0.85-1.8 kg
Lifespan
10-15 years
Top Speed
80 km/h
Clutch Size
5-10
Incubation
27-31 days
Migration Distance
4000 km

Diet & Feeding

These diving ducks mostly feast on tasty shellfish and crustaceans found at the bottom of the water!

Age differences: Ducklings eat more insect larvae; adults primarily consume marine invertebrates.

Primary Foods

  • Mussels
  • Clams
  • Snails
  • Crustaceans
  • Small fish

Foraging Method

  • Pursuit

Ecological connections

eaten by

Blue Mussel

Mytilus edulis

Primary food source found on the ocean floor.

eaten by

Baltic Clam

Macoma balthica

Key food source for scoters, found in shallow waters.

eats

Bald Eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

Adult eagles may prey on weak or young scoters.

eats

Red Fox

Vulpes vulpes

Known to raid nests, eating eggs and young ducklings.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always watch birds from a distance and don't try to touch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is White-winged Scoter?

48-58 cm

What is White-winged Scoter's wingspan?

80-99 cm

How much does White-winged Scoter weigh?

0.85-1.8 kg

How long does White-winged Scoter live?

10-15 years

How fast can White-winged Scoter move?

80 km/h

What does White-winged Scoter eat?

These diving ducks mostly feast on tasty shellfish and crustaceans found at the bottom of the water!

Where is White-winged Scoter usually found?

Coastal areas

How does White-winged Scoter hunt?

Pursuit

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