
This is a compact duck with a steep forehead and short stubby bill. Male: Unmistakable. Blue-gray overall with chestnut sides. May appear all dark in low light. White markings include a large patch at the base of the bill, a small spot behind the eye, and broad lines on the neck, breast, and along the scapulars and tertials. Young males show a similar pattern, but are more muted. Female: Dark brown overall, with paler belly. Shows an irregularly shaped whitish patch at the base of the bill, and a small white spot behind the eye.
Length: 38 (cm) Wingspan: 66 (cm)
Voice:
High nasal calls and a mousy squeak.
Habitat:
Nests along fast-flowing mountain streams. Winters along rocky coasts.
Behavior:
Unlike most diving ducks, spends considerable amount of time out of the water. Often found feeding right in the surf line among intertidal rocky outcroppings.
Feeding:
Dives for aquatic invertebrates, and occasionally fish.
Field Notes
Expanded Life History
Feed Ecology And Diet | Contribute Content |
Nesting Habits | Contribute Content |
Migration Status | Contribute Content |
Conservation Status | Contribute Content |
Local Sites to Spot | Contribute Content |
Abundance Status | Contribute Content |
Adult Male Description | Contribute Content |
Adult Female Description | Contribute Content |
ITIS Taxonomic Number | Contribute Content |
Sonogram | Contribute Content |
Courtship | Contribute Content |
Reproductive Characteristics | Contribute Content |
Relationship to Humans | Contribute Content |
ID Tips - Size & Shape | Contribute Content |
ID Tips - Color & Pattern | Contribute Content |
ID Tips - Habitat | Contribute Content |
ID Tips - Behavior | Contribute Content |
ID Tips - Wingspan | Contribute Content |
ID Tips - Weight | Contribute Content |
Breeding | Contribute Content |
Cool Facts | Contribute Content |
Local Knowledge | Contribute Content |
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Sightings
Date | Submitted By | Count |
---|---|---|
05/31/14 | Julia Richert, OR | 12 |
12/06/13 | Dave Irons, OR | 11 |
10/05/13 | Bob Archer | # |
09/28/13 | Dave Irons, OR | 5 |
07/23/12 | Chelsea Bassanese, BC | 2 |
02/19/12 | Mary Ratcliff, OR | # |
02/18/12 | Mary Ratcliff, OR | # |
01/01/12 | dawn villaescusa, OR | 7 |
12/26/11 | Joe Blowers, OR | # |
12/08/11 | dawn villaescusa, OR | 2 |
03/05/11 | Jon Leland | # |
03/05/11 | Jon Leland | # |
02/27/11 | Shawneen Finnegan, OR | # |
Recent Activity
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