Birds

Common Scoter/Black Scoter Complex

Common Scoter/Black Scoter Complex

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This complex refers to two very similar species of all-black scoters: the Common Scoter (Melanitta nigra) found in Eurasia and the Black Scoter (Melanitta americana) found in North America. They were historically considered the same species.
Where to spot
Coastal waters and large inland lakes across the northern Northern Hemisphere, with the Common Scoter largely in Eurasia and the Black Scoter in North America.
How to spot
Males are uniformly black with a yellowish knob on the bill (more prominent in Common Scoter). Females are dark brown with pale cheeks. Identification between the two is often based on subtle bill features and geographic location.
When to spot
Primarily winter along coasts, summer for breeding in tundra and taiga lakes. Migration periods offer wider observation opportunities.
These 'black' scoters are unique among sea ducks for their predominantly uniform dark plumage, a stark contrast to other scoter species.
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