White-winged Scoter

Overview

The white-winged scoter is the largest of the scoters and takes its name from the white secondary feathers that flash in flight and can be hidden when the bird sits on the water (Wikipedia, "White-winged scoter"). It is hunted from layout boats in cold coastal water and on the Great Lakes, where it also winters.

Identification & Appearance

The drake is all black except for white around the eye and the white wing patch; his bill is orange and red with a large black knob at the base. Hens are brownish, and their face pattern changes with age: young birds show clear white spots in front of and behind the eye, while adult hens can look plain chocolate brown in winter. Both sexes are bulky, with a big bill that is feathered at the gape, and a drake takes three years to reach full adult plumage.

Range & Habitat

This species has the largest breeding range of the North American scoters: mainly the boreal forest from Alaska to western Canada, thinning out east toward Hudson Bay and south toward the Canadian Prairies. It winters farther south, on the Great Lakes and along the coasts of the northern United States and southern Canada (Wikipedia, "White-winged scoter").

Behavior & Sign

White-winged scoters feed on the bottom in open water and, being the biggest scoter, take larger prey and dive deeper than surf or black scoters; Wikipedia's account gives 5 to 20 m for dives on the wintering grounds. In salt water the food is molluscs and crustaceans. Winter flocks pack tightly and tend to take off together. They raft over mussel and clam beds and trade low along the coast, decoying to sea-duck spreads.

Hunting Seasons & Timing

Sea-duck season runs through late fall and winter; the hunting is done from layout boats and from points along the shore.

Hunting Methods

Long lines of scoter and eider decoys off points, hunted from anchored layout boats in open water.

Gear & Optics

A 12-gauge and steel shot in sizes #2 to BB, a seaworthy boat, and cold-water safety gear for everyone aboard. The boat and the weather decide whether you hunt.

Shot Placement & Field Care

Close shots over the decoys and quick recovery of divers in cold water; breast the birds.

Meat & Eating Quality

Like other sea ducks, they are strong and fishy; most hunters breast, soak and cook them boldly.

Where Hunters Go Wrong

Unsafe open water, poor concealment, and expecting mild table fare from a shellfish diver.

Regulations & Conservation

White-winged scoters are covered by the migratory seasons and limits that apply to sea ducks. Check the current federal and state rules, and your safety plan, before the hunt. We do not give legal advice.

FAQ

How do I tell it from a surf scoter? The white wing patch and larger size are the keys.

How does it eat? Strong, like the other scoters; soaking and bold cooking are the usual answer.

Sources

• Wikipedia, "White-winged scoter" (read 12 October 2026): size, plumage, breeding and winter range, diet and diving depth.