106 MICHIGAN BIRD LIFE. 
forward below the hinder end of the nostril. Slightly smaller than the Common Eider, 
the wing measuring 10.50 to 11.25 inches. 
54. Black Scoter. Oidemia americana Sw. (163) 
Synonyms: American Scoter, Black Coot, Black Sea-coot.—Anas nigra, Wils.— 
Fuligula americana, Nutt., Aud.—/Ndemia americana, Coues, 1872, Ridgw., 1881. 
Known by the swollen bill, uniform dark color, and absence of white 
spots on head or wings at any age. 
Distribution.—Coasts and large inland waters of northern North America, 
breeds in Labrador and the northern interior; south in winter to New 
Jersey, the Great Lakes, Colorado and California. 
This bird undoubtedly occurs more frequently on the Great Lakes than 
most people suppose, but as a rule gunners do not discriminate between the 
females and young of the three species of scoter, hence many of the records 
are indefinite. Probably, however, this is the least common of the three. 
Mr. Newell A. Eddy of Bay City obtained a specimen in the market at 
Bay City, October 26, 1883. Butler in his birds of Indiana does not mention 
the species, which is odd, since the bird is known to occur regularly on Lake 
Michigan. Kumlien & Hollister say “Rather common winter resident 
on Lake Michigan. Less common in the interior, occurring principally 
as a migrant in late fall” (Birds of Wisconsin, p. 26). 
It should be looked for in Michigan waters from late October until the 
following May, but it is most likely to occur in November and April. It 
feeds largely on shellfish of various kinds, and its flesh is coarse and fishy. 
It breeds far north, laying white or buffy eggs in a down-lined nest on the 
ground. The eggs average 2.55 by 1.80 inches. 
TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. 
Feathering of the forehead extending forward on the bill about as far as that of the 
sides of the head (lores), and not much beyond the corner of the mouth. Adult male 
with basal half of bill orange or yellow, the base much swollen, the terminal half black. 
Entire plumage, including lining of wing, black, without any white patches on head or 
wings; legs and feet black. Adult female: Grayish brown all over, darker above, lighter 
below; the bill without the swollen knob at base; the legs, feet and bill plain blackish. 
Length 17 to 21.50 inches; wing 8.75 to 9.50; culmen 1.65 to 1.80. 
55. White-winged Scoter. Oidemia deglandi Bonap. (165) 
Synonyms: White-winged Coot, White-winged Sea Coot, Velvet Duck, Velvet Scoter, 
Lake Huron Scoter.—Anas fusca, Wils., 1814.—Fuligula fusca, Bonap., Nutt., Aud.— 
Oidemia bimaculata, Baird, 1858.—Melanetta velvetina, Baird, Ridgw. and others. 
Figure 27. 
Known in any plumage by the swollen bill, uniform black or dusky color 
and white speculum. Adults show a distinct white spot on the side of the 
head, below the eye in the male, behind the eye in the female. 
Distribution.—Northern North America, breeding in Labrador and the 
Fur Countries; south in winter to Chesapeake Bay, southern Illinois, and 
San Quentin Bay, Lower California. 
Undoubtedly this is the commonest scoter of the Great Lake region, 
occurring regularly on Lakes Huron and Michigan in winter, although 
