Scoter

wwscoter12

Melanitta americana Barnegat NJ

Eurasian common scoter

Melanitta fusca, Grindavik, Iceland 1

White-winged Scoter

Melanitta stejnegeri

Scoters are a group of sea ducks belonging to the genus Melanitta. These birds are native to the northern parts of North America, Europe, and Asia. They are known for their distinctive plumage, with males typically exhibiting black bodies and unique facial markings, and females displaying browner tones. Scoters are highly adapted to marine environments, with diets primarily consisting of mollusks, crustaceans, and small fish, which they forage for by diving underwater.

Description

Scoters are medium to large-sized ducks, characterized by their bulky shape and large bills. The males of most species are predominantly black, while females and juveniles tend to have browner plumage. One of the most recognizable features of scoters is the brightly colored bill knobs present in males of some species, which are used in courtship displays and as a means of individual identification.

Species

The genus Melanitta includes several species, such as:

• The Common Scoter (Melanitta nigra), which is found across the northern regions of Europe and Asia.
• The Black Scoter (Melanitta americana), primarily located in North America.
• The Surf Scoter (Melanitta perspicillata), which breeds in North America and winters along both the east and west coasts of North America and the eastern coast of Asia.
• The Velvet Scoter (Melanitta fusca), inhabiting northern Europe and Asia.
• The White-winged Scoter (Melanitta deglandi), found in North America and eastern Siberia.

Habitat and Distribution

Scoters are most commonly found in coastal marine environments, though they breed in freshwater habitats in the northern tundra and boreal forests. Their migration patterns are influenced by the availability of food and breeding conditions. During winter, scoters migrate to warmer, coastal waters, often forming large flocks in bays and estuaries.

Behavior

Scoters are social birds outside of the breeding season, forming large flocks on coastal waters. They are excellent divers, using their strong legs to propel themselves underwater in search of food. Scoters have a varied diet that includes aquatic invertebrates and, to a lesser extent, plant material.

Conservation

The conservation status of scoter species varies. While some populations are stable, others have experienced declines due to habitat loss, pollution, and changes in food availability. Conservation efforts are focused on habitat protection, pollution control, and monitoring population trends to ensure the survival of these unique sea ducks.

See Also

• Duck
• Sea duck
• Waterfowl hunting