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Current revision

Clangula hyemalis

Male, winter plumage
Photo by hages
Varberg, Sweden, February 2005

[edit] Identification

L. 39-47 cm (excl. elongated tail-feathers of male [10-15])
WS. 65-82 cm
Complex moult produces at least three different-looking plumages annually; most scapulars and feathers of sides of head and neck are moulted three times a year, breast, upper mantle and rest of head and neck twice, and rest of plumage once a year.

[edit] Distribution

North America, Europe and Asia.
Arctic in summer; winters down both coasts of North America to mid-latitudes of U.S. Rare occurences inland and along Gulf Coast, and a single occurrence in the Caribbean.

In Europe in winter along coasts in Western Europe, rarer inland.

In Asia winters along the pacific coast and also inland. Vagrant more south, e.g. Tunisia, India, Jordan or Mexico.

Spring migration through the Baltic is spectacular; main exodus from Gulf of Finland to tundras in NE on late-May evenings with tail-wind, involving over 100,000 birds on peak days.

[edit] Taxonomy

This is a monotypic species^[1].

[edit] Habitat

Breeds commonly in the Arctic on tundra pools and marshes, also along sea coasts (local in the Baltic) and on still-standing mountain waters. Winters at sea.

Male
Photo by Steve G
West Sands, St Andrews, Fife, Scotland, January 2008

[edit] Behaviour

Gregarious; often in large, dense flocks, mainly off coasts.

[edit] Movement

Restless and active, taking off and flying agilely, low over the water, in short pursuit-flights, constantly changing direction, landing with splash.

[edit] Diet

Dives for molluscs and other animal food.

[edit] Vocalisation

[edit] In Culture

Formerly known in North America as the Oldsquaw.

[edit] External Links