Stejneger's Scoter

Overview

Stejneger's Scoter (Melanitta stejnegeri) is a species of Ducks, Geese, Swans (Anatidae) in the order Waterfowl (Ducks, Geese and Swans).

Scientific Classification

Genus: Melanitta; binomial: Melanitta stejnegeri; authority: (Ridgway, 1887).

Distribution

Breeding range: the Palearctic. Non-breeding range: to Kuril and Commander Is. (se Russia), coasts of Japan and e Korean Pen. (ne Pacific).

Conservation Status

This taxon is listed as Extant (living) in the IOC World Bird List.

Remarks

Split (9.2) of Stejneger's Scoter M. stejnegeri from White-winged Scoter M. deglandi based on lack of hybridization and on morphological characters that include the black rather than brown flanks (deglandi also has brown-tinged scapulars), a more obvious hook "nose" on stejnegeri, a longer white post-ocular mark on stejnegeri, and different bill coloration (HBW; NACC 2019-A-16 and references therein).