Black Scoter vs White-winged Scoter

Black Scoter

Melanitta americana

Large1.1 kgWetland

This large sea duck is characterised by its bulky shape and large bill. The adult male is all black with a very bulbous bill which is mostly yellow. The female is a brown bird with pale cheeks, very similar to female common scoter. The adult female averages about 980 g (2.16 lb) and 45 cm (18 in) in length, while the adult male is on average 1,100 g (2.4 lb) and 49 cm (19 in) in length. This species can be distinguished from other scoters, apart from common scoter, by the lack of white anywhere on the drake, and the more extensive pale areas on the female. Voice: The black scoter and common scoter have diagnosably distinct vocalisations.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: US Dept of Energy · Public domain

White-winged Scoter

Melanitta deglandi

Huge1.8 kgWetland

The white-winged scoter is one of three North American scoter species and the largest species of scoter. Females range from 950 to 1,950 g (2.09 to 4.30 lb) and 48 to 56 cm (19 to 22 in), averaging 1,180 g (2.60 lb) and 52.3 cm (20.6 in). The male ranges from 1,360 to 2,128 g (2.998 to 4.691 lb) and from 53 to 60 cm (21 to 24 in), averaging 1,380 g (3.04 lb) and 55 cm (22 in). The white-winged scoter has a wingspan of 31.5 in (80 cm). This species is characterized by its bulky shape and large bill, which is feathered at the gape unlike the blocky bill base of the surf scoter.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Len Blumin from Mill Valley, California, United States · CC BY 2.0

Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Black Scoter and White-winged Scoter.