Black Scoter
Melanitta americana
The Black Scoter (Melanitta americana) is a common ducks, swans, and geese found in 24 countries, weighing about 1.1 kg. The black scoter or American scoter is a large sea duck, 43 to 49 cm in length.
About the Black Scoter
The black scoter or American scoter is a large sea duck, 43 to 49 cm in length. The genus name is derived from Ancient Greek melas "black" and netta "duck". The species name is from the Latin for "American".
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
This large sea duck is characterised by its bulky shape and large bill. The adult male is all black with a very bulbous bill which is mostly yellow. The female is a brown bird with pale cheeks, very similar to female common scoter. The adult female averages about 980 g (2.16 lb) and 45 cm (18 in) in length, while the adult male is on average 1,100 g (2.4 lb) and 49 cm (19 in) in length. This species can be distinguished from other scoters, apart from common scoter, by the lack of white anywhere on the drake, and the more extensive pale areas on the female. Voice: The black scoter and common scoter have diagnosably distinct vocalisations.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Germany, Netherlands, France, Finland, Hong Kong SAR China, Estonia, Latvia.
When to see it
Best months: January, February, March, April, May, October, November, December, with peak activity in November. It is a variable species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Black Scoter?
- This large sea duck is characterised by its bulky shape and large bill. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Black Scoter?
- The Black Scoter is a large sized bird weighing about 1.1 kg.
- Where can you see a Black Scoter?
- The Black Scoter occurs in 24 countries, including the United States, Canada, Japan, Sweden and Russia.
- What birds look similar to a Black Scoter?
- The Black Scoter is most easily confused with the Common Scoter, the Velvet Scoter and the White-winged Scoter.
- Is the Black Scoter endangered?
- The Black Scoter is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Black Scoter for real
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