The Black Scoter (Melanitta americana) is a large sea duck known for its striking black plumage. It breeds in northern parts of North America and winters along both coasts of North America. The male and female Black Scoters have quite different appearances. The male is mostly black with a colorful bill, while the female is brown with a paler face.
Male Black Scoter Description
The male Black Scoter has distinctive black plumage that covers most of its body. Here are some key features that identify the male:
Black Body and Head
The male’s body, head, neck, back, wings, and tail are black. The black coloration is iridescent and can appear dark green or purple in bright light. The black plumage provides excellent camouflage when the duck is swimming in dark coastal waters.
Bright Bill
The male’s bill is bright yellow with a large black nail at the tip and a black stripe near the base. This colorful bill stands out against the dark plumage. During breeding season, the base of the bill may become swollen and more brightly colored.
White Secondary Feathers
The underside of the male’s wings sport a patch of white secondary feathers which can be seen in flight. This contrast makes the flying male Black Scoter very identifiable.
Dark Brown Eyes
The male’s eyes are very dark brown. The eye color matches the dark plumage.
Orange Legs and Feet
The male’s legs and feet are a dark orange color. This hints at the brighter plumage they display during breeding season.
Female Black Scoter Description
The female Black Scoter has brown plumage that provides camouflage but is not as dark as the male. Here are some key features that identify the female:
Brown Body
The female’s overall plumage color is brown. This varies from medium brown on the back and wings to a lighter tan-brown on the head, neck, and underside. The brown hues help the ducks blend in.
Dark Cap
There is a well-defined dark brown cap on the female’s head. It contrasts sharply with the pale face.
Pale Cheeks and Neck
The female’s cheeks and neck are a pale brownish-gray. This creates a distinctive two-toned facial pattern.
Yellow-Orange Bill
The female has a large yellow-orange bill much like the male, though it lacks the striking black markings. It is useful for foraging aquatic plants and animals.
Brown Eyes
Female Black Scoters have brown irises that match the soft brown plumage.
Similar Species
The Black Scoter’s dark coloration means it resembles some related duck species. Here’s how to tell them apart:
Surf Scoter
The male Surf Scoter has a white patch on the back of its head and a white stripe on its bill. The female Surf Scoter has a darker brown body and cap.
White-winged Scoter
Both sexes of White-winged Scoters have more extensive white on the wings and head. Males have white secondary feathers on the underside.
Bufflehead
The tiny Bufflehead duck has a large white patch on the back of its head. Males are black and white while females are grayish.
Long-tailed Duck
The Long-tailed Duck has a longer, pointed tail. Males have black and white plumage while females are grayish brown.
Behavior and Habitat
The striking appearance of the Black Scoter suits its coastal marine habitat. Here are some notes about its behavior and where it is found:
Swimming and Diving
Black Scoters swim low in the water and dive frequently, propelled by their feet. They forage on the ocean bottom for mollusks, crustaceans, and other food.
Coastal Habitats
Black Scoters form large flocks on productive coastal waters, estuaries, bays, and inlets. They breed on inland lakes and ponds.
Northern Range
These sea ducks breed in Alaska, northern Canada, and the northern U.S. states. They migrate and winter along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts.
Vocalizations
The male’s whistling courtship call sounds like “oo-oo-oo.” Females give a harsh “cut, cut.” Chicks make a shrill “peep.”
Black Scoter Size and Wingspan
The Black Scoter is one of the larger diving duck species. Here are its typical measurements:
| Measurement | Size |
|---|---|
| Length | 19-24 inches |
| Wingspan | 32-37 inches |
| Weight | 2-3 pounds |
The wide wingspan and stocky build give the Black Scoter power and speed for swimming and diving in its ocean habitats. The female is slightly smaller than the male.
Diet and Feeding
The Black Scoter’s specialized bill helps it find food underwater. Here are details on what it eats and how it feeds:
Mollusks
This sea duck’s favorite foods include mussels, clams, oysters, and other bivalve mollusks it finds on the seafloor. The serrated edges of its bill help grip slippery shells.
Aquatic Insects and Crustaceans
It also eats aquatic insect larvae, amphipods, isopods, and other small crustaceans. The scoter swallows these whole.
Other Invertebrates
Crabs, shrimp, marine worms, and other small invertebrates are also eaten. It forages these animals by diving and dabbling in shallow water.
Diving
Black Scoters make deep dives down to 60 feet below the surface to reach bottom-dwelling prey. They can stay submerged for over a minute while foraging.
Dabbling
To feed near the surface, a scoter tilts head-down and tail-up to reach underwater food while swimming along. This looks like they are standing on their heads!
Breeding and Nesting
Here are some key facts about the Black Scoter’s reproduction and nesting habits:
Season
They form pairs during spring migration or on the breeding lakes. Nesting occurs from May to early July.
Courtship
Males perform elaborate displays, including neck stretching, head bobbing, and vocalizations. Pairs form each season, not long-term bonds.
Nest Site
The female makes a nest in dense vegetation near water, lining it with down feathers. Nest sites are well-hidden from predators.
Clutch Size
Between 5-9 eggs are laid. The eggs are pale olive or buff colored. The female incubates them for about 28 days.
Chicks
The downy chicks leave the nest within a day after hatching. The female broods and feeds the fast-growing chicks, who fledge at 45-50 days old.
Population Status
The Black Scoter has an extremely large population, though its numbers have declined somewhat in recent decades:
Global Population
Estimates put the global population at over 2 million individual birds.
Trends
Numbers are believed to have declined by around 30% in the past few decades, according to monitoring programs.
Conservation Status
The Black Scoter has a conservation status of “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Causes of Decline
Habitat degradation, pollution, human disturbance, and hunting pressure may contribute to reducing populations.
Protected Under MBTA
This species receives legal protection in the U.S. and Canada under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
Conclusion
The striking black male and more subtle brown female Black Scoters are fascinating sea ducks adapted to life on northern coastal waters. Their specialized bills and diving abilities allow them to thrive while foraging underwater. Though still common, monitoring and protection of these birds is needed to maintain healthy populations into the future. Looking for Black Scoters during the winter and early spring months offers birdwatchers the best chance to admire these unique waterfowl.
