Species Profile
Velvet Scoter
Melanitta fusca
Quick Facts
Conservation
VUVulnerableAlso known as: White-winged Scoter
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Appearance
The Velvet Scoter is a large sea duck with a distinctive appearance. Males are predominantly velvety black with a white wing patch and a small white eye crescent. They have a bulbous orange bill with a black base and tip.
Females are brown with two light patches on the face. Both sexes have red legs and feet, though these are often submerged. Juveniles resemble females but with duller plumage.
Identification & Characteristics
Male Colors
- Primary
- Black
- Secondary
- Brown
- Beak
- Orange
- Legs
- Red
Female Colors
- Primary
- Brown
- Secondary
- Grey
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- Brown
Female Markings
Two light patches on face
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
Velvet Scoters breed in subarctic regions across northern Europe and Asia. During winter, they migrate to coastal waters in temperate zones. They prefer shallow marine areas with abundant shellfish beds.
In the UK, they are winter visitors to eastern coasts, particularly off Scotland and northeast England. Some non-breeding birds may remain in these areas year-round.
Distribution
Diet
Velvet Scoters primarily feed on molluscs, especially mussels and clams. They also consume crustaceans, small fish, and aquatic insects.
Their strong bills are adapted for crushing shellfish, which they swallow whole and grind in their gizzards.
Behaviour
Velvet Scoters are highly social, often forming large flocks on the water. They are excellent divers, plunging to depths of up to 30 meters to forage for food.
During courtship, males perform elaborate head-throwing displays accompanied by soft whistling calls.
Calls & Sounds
Velvet Scoters are generally quiet, but males produce soft whistling calls during courtship, sounding like 'whee-oo'. Females make a harsh 'krrr-krrr' when alarmed. In flight, their wings produce a distinctive whistling sound, aiding in identification.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding occurs in subarctic tundra and taiga regions. Pairs form on wintering grounds before migrating to breeding sites. Females select nest sites on the ground, often near water and concealed by vegetation.
The nest is a shallow depression lined with down. Females typically lay 6-9 olive-buff eggs. Incubation lasts about 27-28 days, performed solely by the female.
Ducklings are precocial and leave the nest shortly after hatching. They can dive and feed independently but remain with the female for protection until fledging at 6-7 weeks.
Conservation
The Velvet Scoter is classified as Vulnerable due to population declines across its range. Threats include oil spills, coastal development, and entanglement in fishing nets.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting key wintering and breeding habitats, and reducing marine pollution.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for large flocks on coastal waters, especially during winter
- Observe their distinctive diving behaviour
- Listen for their soft whistling calls during breeding season
- In the UK, the best spots include eastern Scottish coasts and Norfolk
Did You Know?
- Velvet Scoters can dive to depths of 30 meters, staying submerged for up to a minute.
- Their eyes are adapted to see underwater, helping them locate prey while diving.
- Despite their large size, they can fly at speeds of up to 75 km/h (46 mph) during migration.
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