Surf Scoter vs White-winged Scoter

In short

The Surf Scoter and White-winged Scoter can be distinguished primarily by their wing patterns in flight: the Surf Scoter has completely dark wings, while the White-winged Scoter shows a distinctive white patch (speculum) on the secondary feathers. Additionally, the adult male Surf Scoter has unique white patches on the head and a multicolored bill, unlike the White-winged Scoter.

Identification tips

1. Look for the white speculum on the wings of White-winged Scoters in flight. 2. Note the white patches on the head and multicolored bill of male Surf Scoters. 3. Female and immature Surf Scoters have a paler face and a whitish nape patch, unlike White-winged Scoters.

Plumage

Adult male Surf Scoters have white patches on the forehead and nape, and a multicolored bill, whereas White-winged Scoters do not. Female and immature Surf Scoters have a paler face and a whitish patch on the nape, unlike White-winged Scoters. In flight, Surf Scoters have completely dark wings, while White-winged Scoters have a white speculum.