Waterfowl

White-winged Scoter

Melanitta deglandi

The largest North American scoter, identified by a white wing patch visible in flight and at rest. Males are black with a white teardrop eye patch. A common winter visitor to Kodiak's bays.

Where to look

Chiniak Bay, Womens Bay, and coastal waters off Kodiak town; often rafts with Surf Scoters.

Habitat

Boreal lakes for breeding; coastal bays and large lakes in winter.

Diet

Mussels, clams, crabs, and other invertebrates.

Natural history note

White-winged Scoters can carry and swallow large mussels whole, which are then crushed in their powerful gizzards.