Black Scoter vs Velvet Scoter

Black Scoter

Melanitta americana

Large1.1 kgWetland

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.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: US Dept of Energy · Public domain

Velvet Scoter

Melanitta fusca

Huge1.8 kgWetland

The velvet scoter is 51–56 cm (20–22 in) in length and has a wingspan of 90–99 cm (35–39 in). It is a relatively large sea duck with a thick neck, a long broad bill and a pointed tail. The plumage of the male is glossy black with large white wing patches and small white patches behind the eye. The bill is partly orange. The female is similar to the male but lacks the gloss on the feathers and is duller and browner.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Maria Kohanovskaya · CC BY 4.0

Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Black Scoter and Velvet Scoter.