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WetlandPlatform nestLarge · 1.1 kg
ID tip
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.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
When to see the Black Scoter
One bar for each month. Filled bars are the 8 months with records; pale bars are months with none. The wide bar is November, the month with the most records.
Where to see the Black Scoter
The map shades 15 countries with regular records, and 9 more in a lighter tone where the bird turns up only as a stray. Everything unshaded has no records. Countries are listed below the map.
Recorded as a rare visitor in Norway, Germany, Netherlands, Ireland, France, Finland, Hong Kong SAR China, Estonia, Latvia.
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.
Easily confused with
Common ScoterMelanitta nigraThe common scoter is characterised by its bulky shape and large bill.
Velvet ScoterMelanitta fuscaThe velvet scoter is 51–56 cm (20–22 in) in length and has a wingspan of 90–99 cm (35–39 in).
White-winged ScoterMelanitta deglandiThe white-winged scoter is one of three North American scoter species and the largest species of scoter.
Side by side: Black Scoter vs Surf Scoter · Black Scoter vs White-winged Scoter · Black Scoter vs Common Scoter · Black Scoter vs Muscovy Duck · Black Scoter vs Velvet Scoter · Black Scoter vs Stejneger's Scoter
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