Newsletter / Blog
2012-06-21 Rare bird sighting – UK – Black Scoter
This species is a
very rare vagrant to the UK
and Western Europe. Black Scoter seen at
the target-rich seaduck flocks off Murcar Golf Course, Blackdog, Aberdeenshire
this week.
Black
Scoter
The Black
Scoter or American Scoter - Melanitta Americana - is a
large sea duck which breeds in the far north of North America and winters
further south in temperate zones.
Description
It is
characterised by its bulky shape and large bill. The 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.
Call
Male gives clear
whistle in courtship and the female a grating "kraaa." Wings make
whistling noise in flight.
Food
Aquatic
invertebrates, especially aquatic insects and mollusks, a little vegetation.
Breeding
The lined nest is
built on the ground close to the sea, lakes or rivers, in woodland. Between 5
to 10 large off-white to pinkish buff eggs are laid. The incubation period may
range from 27 to 31 days. Females brood their young extensively for about 3
weeks, after which the still flightless young must fend for themselves.
Conservation Status – Least concern
Common, but populations
may be declining.
Birdwatching
Ask Aves Birding Tours/Safaris/Adventures to
create a tour for you to see these sea duck. |