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WetlandPlatform nestLarge · 1.0 kg
What the Common Scoter sounds like
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.
When to see the Common Scoter
One bar for each month, and every month is filled: this bird is recorded here in all twelve. The wide bar is April, the month with the most records.
Where to see the Common Scoter
The map shades 42 countries with regular records, and 1 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 Canada.
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.
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 · Common Scoter vs Stejneger's Scoter
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