White-winged Scoter (Melanitta fusca), Willcox, Cochise County

These White-winged Scoters were found by Chris Benesh and Gary Rosenberg and photographed by Gary Rosenberg, Arlene Ripley, and Christie Van Cleve on 18 November 2014

Rare but regular fall migrant and winter visitant in the state, but primarily along the Colorado River. There are few reports for Cochise County.

Heavy-bodied, large-billed ducks. Plumage dark overall with two white patches on the face and a large white wing patch. The bill is longer and narrower than that of Surf Scoter, and the white patch in front of the eye is more extensive, reaching forward onto the bill. Surf Scoter also has a much more capped appearance, which is apparent even at a great distance.

18 November 2014, photo by Gary Rosenberg

 

 

18 November 2014, photo by Arlene Ripley

 

 

18 November 2014, photo by Christie Van Cleve

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