Melanitta fusca (Linné 1758), White-winged scoter (Anatidae)

Compiled by: Christof Herrmann, Henrik Skov & Wlodzimierz Meissner

1. Description of the Habitat/Autecology of the species

The main breeding habitat is sheltered archipelagoes. The species has a wide diet ranging from molluscs to crustaceans and fish (Cramp, 1977).  

2. Distribution, past and present

The white-winged scoter breeds on the Swedish Baltic coast north of Skåne and on the mainland coast north of Latvia. The archipelago areas hold the majority of the birds.

3. Importance (Sub-regional, Baltic-wide, Global)

No recent estimates of the total Baltic breeding population are available, however the total European breeding population is estimated at less than 100,000 pairs (BirdLife International, 2004).

4. Status of threat/decline

Recent decreases have been recorded in Sweden, most notably in the Stockholm archipelago, since 1992 (BirdLife International, 2004; HELCOM HABITAT, 2004).

5. Threat/decline factors

The decline in the Swedish population is influenced by predation by minks and pressure from tourism (disturbance) in the archipelago during the breeding season.

6. Options for improvements

Predation control and coastal zone management in the Swedish archipelago areas.

7. References

BirdLife International 2004. Birds in Europe. Population estimates, trends and conservation status. BirdLife Conservation series 12, Cambridge, UK. 374 pp.

Cramp, C. (Ed.) 1985. The Birds of the Western Palearctic Vol. IV. Oxford University Press. 960 pp.

HELCOM HABITAT 2004. Development of Baltic Waterbird Monitoring Strategy, - Pilot Phase: evaluation of available data and conclusion on necessary follow-up activities. Report to HELCOM HABITAT 6/2004.