Less is known about scoters than about any other group of sea ducks, but of the three scoter species that breed in Canada, the White-winged Scoter is the best known. The western population breeds primarily in Alaska and in the boreal forest of central and northwestern Canada from Yukon to Manitoba, and at lower densities in the Canadian Prairies. The eastern population breeds in the Hudson Bay lowlands in Ontario, as well as along the northeastern James Bay in Quebec. The species winters on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. Because scoters are difficult to distinguish during aerial surveys, counts data for the three species of scoters are combined, therefore accurate population estimates and population trends specific to White-winged Scoters are not available. This species has been identified as a priority for conservation and/or stewardship in one or more Bird Conservation Region Strategies in Canada.
The White-winged Scoter may accumulate a number of contaminants in its flesh, making it potentially vulnerable to poisoning (Brown and Fredrickson 1995). Spills of hydrocarbons and other toxic substances on White-winged Scoter moulting or wintering grounds may harm the species because the species is often present in high densities at these periods (Vermeer and Vermeer 1975; Ohlendorf and Fleming 1988).
Environment and Climate Change Canada and partners have developed Bird Conservation Region Strategies in each of Canada’s Bird Conservation Regions (BCRs). In these strategies, selected species are identified as priorities for one or more of the following reasons:
Select any of the sub-regions below to view the BCR strategy for additional details.
