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.