About the Common Scoter
The common scoter is a large sea duck, 43–54 cm (17–21 in) in length, which breeds over the far north of Europe and the Palearctic east to the Olenyok River. The black scoter of North America and eastern Siberia was formerly considered to be a subspecies.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
The common scoter is characterised by its bulky shape and large bill. The male is all black with a bulbous bill which shows some yellow coloration around the nostrils. The female is a brown bird with pale cheeks, very similar to female black scoter. This species can be distinguished from other scoters, apart from black scoter, by the lack of white anywhere on the drake and the more extensive pale areas on the female. The black scoter and common scoter have diagnosably distinct vocalisations.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
What the Common Scoter sounds like
Where the Common Scoter lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Canada.
When to see the Common Scoter
Peak activity in April · a resident species across most of its range
Easily confused with
White-winged ScoterMelanitta deglandiThe white-winged scoter is one of three North American scoter species and the largest species of scoter.
Black ScoterMelanitta americanaThis large sea duck 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).
Side by side: Common Scoter vs Surf Scoter · Common Scoter vs White-winged Scoter · Common Scoter vs Maned Duck · Black Scoter vs Common Scoter · Common Scoter vs Velvet Scoter
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