Oldsquaw
Clangula hyemalis
Identification Tips:
Adult male summer:
- Very long, black, central tail feathers
- Black head, neck, chest, and back
- Large white patch on the head around the eye
- White flanks, belly and undertail coverts
- Pinkish bill
Adult male winter:
- Very long, black, central tail feathers
- White crown, neck, back, flanks, and belly
- Black chest and lower back
- Gray face patch
- Black bill with pale near tip
Immature male:
- Short, black, central tail feathers
- White head and neck with dark crown and face patch
- Gray chest and back
- Whitish flanks and belly
- Black bill with pale near tip
Adult female winter:
- White head and neck with dark crown and face patch
- Gray back
- White flanks and belly
- Pale bill
- Plumage somewhat darker in summer
Similar species:
The long central tail feathers of the male are diagnostic. Female is whiter
overall, especially on the head, than other sealoving ducks. In flight, the
dark wings are only also found in scoters and Harlequin Duck but they have
darker heads.