Common Scoter
Melanitta nigra
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Melanitta nigra
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Mass
~1 kg
Habitat
Wetlands and marshes
Diet
Fish and aquatic animals
How to recognize it
Common Scoter looks plain and sturdy rather than flashy. On the water it is easier to remember for its compact shape and long tail, with the male all dark and the female much browner in winter.
It is a social sea duck that gathers in large flocks and often feeds in smaller groups. In flight it moves fast and low, and males add a whistling sound made by the wings.
It breeds in the far north near rivers, lakes, ponds, forest edges, and tundra, then spends winter in milder temperate waters farther south. It feeds mostly on mussels, crustaceans, and molluscs, and in fresh water it also takes insects and small fish by diving.
Quick Facts
Listen to the call
Common Scoter looks plain and sturdy rather than flashy. On the water it is easier to remember for its compact shape and long tail, with the male all dark and the female much browner in winter.
It is a social sea duck that gathers in large flocks and often feeds in smaller groups. In flight it moves fast and low, and males add a whistling sound made by the wings.
It breeds in the far north near rivers, lakes, ponds, forest edges, and tundra, then spends winter in milder temperate waters farther south. It feeds mostly on mussels, crustaceans, and molluscs, and in fresh water it also takes insects and small fish by diving.
How to recognize it
You might also see
Sources
- eBird — Melanitta nigra Sightings map and full description on eBird
- Wikipedia — Common scoter Encyclopedia article