Species Profile
Common Scoter
Melanitta nigra
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernLifespan
10–15 years
Length
43–54 cm
Weight
800–1500 g
Wingspan
79–90 cm
Migration
Long-distance Migrant
Also known as: Black Scoter
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Appearance
The Common Scoter is a medium-sized sea duck with a distinctive appearance. Males are entirely black with a bulbous base to their bill, which features a yellow-orange patch. Their eyes are dark, and they have a rounded head profile.
Females are predominantly dark brown with paler cheeks and throat. Juveniles resemble females but may have more mottled plumage.
Identification & Characteristics
Male Colors
- Primary
- Black
- Secondary
- Brown
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- Black
Female Colors
- Primary
- Brown
- Secondary
- Grey
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- Black
Female Markings
Pale cheeks and throat
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & Distribution
Common Scoters inhabit coastal marine environments, preferring shallow waters with sandy or muddy bottoms. They breed in freshwater lakes and pools in Arctic tundra and taiga regions across northern Europe and Asia.
During winter, they migrate to temperate coastal areas. In the UK, large numbers can be found along the east coast of England and Scotland, as well as in the Irish Sea and off the coast of Wales.
Distribution
Where to See This Bird
Explore regional guides for locations where this bird has been recorded.
Wales
East Riding of Yorkshire
East Sussex
Kent
Northumberland
Norfolk
North Yorkshire
Tyne and Wear
Suffolk
Diet
The Common Scoter's diet consists primarily of molluscs, particularly mussels and cockles. They also consume crustaceans, small fish, and aquatic insects. These ducks use their strong bills to pry open shellfish and crush their shells underwater.
Behaviour
Common Scoters are highly social, often forming large flocks on the water. They are excellent divers, using their wings to propel themselves underwater in search of food.
During courtship, males perform elaborate displays, including head-bobbing and short flights across the water's surface.
Calls & Sounds
Nesting & Breeding
Common Scoters form pairs on wintering grounds before migrating to breeding areas. They typically breed from May to August, depending on the latitude of their nesting site.
Females construct nests on the ground, often hidden in dense vegetation near water. The nest is a shallow depression lined with plant material and down. They lay 6-9 olive-buff coloured eggs.
Incubation lasts about 30 days, carried out solely by the female. Ducklings are precocial and can swim and feed themselves shortly after hatching, but remain with the female for protection for several weeks.
Conservation
While listed as Least Concern globally, Common Scoter populations are declining in some areas due to habitat loss, oil spills, and bycatch in fishing nets. Conservation efforts focus on protecting key wintering and breeding sites and reducing marine pollution.
Elevation
Sea level to 100 meters
Additional Details
- Predators:
- Adult Common Scoters are preyed upon by large gulls, while eggs and ducklings are vulnerable to foxes, minks, and various bird species including skuas and large gulls.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for large flocks on coastal waters, especially during winter
- Observe their diving behaviour, as they often submerge for 20-30 seconds at a time
- Listen for their distinctive grating call, which can help locate them in flight
- In the UK, watch for them along the eastern and southern coasts during the winter months
Did You Know?
- Common Scoters can dive to depths of up to 30 meters for food.
- They have special salt glands that allow them to drink seawater.
- Despite their name, Common Scoters are actually declining in numbers across much of their range.
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