Black Scoter
Melanitta americana
Alternate names: Common scoter
- Length
- 19.5 in
- Weight
- 2.5 lb
Overview
The black scoter is a medium-sized sea duck, easily identified by hunters due to the male’s entirely black plumage and the bright orange knob at the base of his bill. Females are dark brown with a pale face, which contrasts with their dark body. These ducks are typically found in coastal waters, bays, and large lakes, often diving for mollusks and small fish. Black scoters are strong swimmers and divers, and their tendency to form large rafts in open water makes them a popular target along the coasts during hunting season.
Identification
All-black body (male), orange bill knob (male), pale face (female), strong diving ability, coastal habitat, large rafts of ducks
Black Scoters are sturdy sea ducks found along both North American coasts during winter and on northern lakes during breeding season. They raft in large flocks and often feed by diving for mollusks and crustaceans. In flight, they move fast and low over the water with rapid, shallow wingbeats and a compact, direct flight line. Hunters can spot them by their dark bodies and the tight, uniform shape of their flocks, often mixed with surf or white-winged scoters.
Drake
Males are entirely black with a bright orange-yellow knob at the base of the bill that stands out even at a distance. Their plumage stays jet black year-round, which helps separate them from the brownish surf and white-winged scoters. In flight, the uniform black body and lack of wing patches are key identifiers.
Hen
Females are dark brown with a paler face and throat, giving a soft two-tone look to the head. They lack the male’s bright bill knob but share the same compact build and flight style. Compared to female surf or white-winged scoters, they appear plainer, with no white on the wings and a subtler face pattern.
Range
Related Species
In the Field
Photo: NPS 
Photo: Kristine Sowl, USFWS
