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First record of the White-winged Scoter, Melanitta deglandi (Bonaparte, 1850) (Anseriformes: Anatidae) for the Azores and Portugal

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Abstract

In this study, we report the first occurrence of the White-winged Scoter Melanitta deglandi for the Azores archipelago and for Portugal. This report is based on a single individual observed in Angra do Heroísmo Bay on 08 December 2020. The record has been approved by the Portuguese Rarities Committee and described as a first winter female. The occurrence of Nearctic birds in the Azores is important due to the geographic location of the archipelago and its relevance as a stepping stone for migratory species.

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Fig. 1

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Acknowledgements

We would like to acknowledge all the birders who these moments were shared: Carlos Pereira, Cecília Melo, Alba Villarroya and Lourenço Coelho.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Azorean Biodiversity Group (cE3c-ABG), Angra do Heroísmo, Azores, Portugal

    Luís M. D. Barcelos & João P. Barreiros

  2. Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of the Azores, Rua Capitão João d’Ávila S/N, Pico da Urze, 9700-042, Angra do Heroísmo, Terceira, Azores, Portugal

    Luís M. D. Barcelos & João P. Barreiros

  3. Serviço de Ambiente da Terceira, Rua do Galo, nº 118, 9700-091, Angra do Heroísmo, Terceira, Azores, Portugal

    Rúben Coelho

  4. Aves dos Açores, Porto Martins, Azores, Portugal

    Rúben Coelho & Elizabeth Coelho

  5. Associação “Os Montaheiros” NGO, Rua da Rocha nº 8, 9700-169, Angra do Heroísmo, Terceira, Azores, Portugal

    Susana Ázera

Authors
  1. Luís M. D. Barcelos
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  2. Rúben Coelho
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  3. Elizabeth Coelho
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  4. Susana Ázera
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  5. João P. Barreiros
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Contributions

LB—conceptual research and analysis of the literature while also preparing the first version of the manuscript.

RC—conceptual research and analysis of the literature. Edited parts of the manuscript.

EC—research and organization of references.

SA—first active monitoring of the bird and text revision.

JPB—full revision of the final version and coordination of the team.

All authors have read and approved the final version of the manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Luís M. D. Barcelos.

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Conflict of interest

The authors declare no competing interests.

Additional information

Communicated by: Luis Fabio Silveira

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Barcelos, L.M.D., Coelho, R., Coelho, E. et al. First record of the White-winged Scoter, Melanitta deglandi (Bonaparte, 1850) (Anseriformes: Anatidae) for the Azores and Portugal. Ornithol. Res. 29, 240–242 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s43388-021-00077-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s43388-021-00077-8

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