Black Scoter
NameBlack Scoter
Common NameBlack Scoter
Scientific NameMelanitta americana
FamilyAnatidae
Wingspan (cm)80
Length (cm)50.5
Weight (g)1075
Plumage DetailsAdult males are entirely glossy black with a prominent, bulbous yellow-orange knob on the upper mandible of their bill. Females are dark brown with paler cheeks and a dark bill without the prominent knob.
Vocalization / CallMales produce a mellow, whistling 'poo-poo' or 'coo-oo' sound, while females have a harsher 'karrr' call.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatscoastal, tundra
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds in the Arctic and subarctic regions of North America (Alaska, northern Canada) and eastern Siberia. Winters primarily along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of North America, and parts of East Asia.
Identifying FeaturesAll-black plumage (male), Bright yellow-orange bill knob (male), Chunky body shape, Diving behavior, Often seen in large flocks on coastal waters
Description
The Black Scoter is a medium-sized sea duck, with males being entirely black and featuring a distinctive bright yellow-orange knob on their bill. These ducks are strong divers, foraging for food primarily on the seafloor in coastal waters.
