Black scoter

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Black scoter
Adult male

Near Threatened  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Anseriformes
Family: Anatidae
Genus: Melanitta
Subgenus: Oidemia
Species:
M. americana
Binomial name
Melanitta americana
(Swainson, 1832)
Synonyms

Melanitta nigra americana

The black scoter or American scoter (Melanitta americana) is a large

sea duck, 43 to 49 cm (17 to 19 in) in length. The genus name is derived from Ancient Greek melas "black" and netta "duck". The species name is from the Latin for "American".[2]

Together with the

conspecific, the black scoter then being referred to as M. nigra americana. Its French name, used in parts of its Canadian range, is macreuse noire (also meaning "black scoter").[3]
The species is listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN.

Description

This large sea duck is characterised by its bulky shape and large bill. The adult male is all black with a very bulbous bill which is mostly yellow. The female is a brown bird with pale cheeks, very similar to female common scoter. The adult female averages about 980 g (2.16 lb) and 45 cm (18 in) in length, while the adult male is on average 1,100 g (2.4 lb) and 49 cm (19 in) in length.

This species can be distinguished from other scoters, apart from common scoter, by the lack of white anywhere on the drake, and the more extensive pale areas on the female.

Standard Measurements[4][5]
length 430–550 mm (17–21.5 in)
weight 950 g (2.09 lb)
wingspan 710 mm (28 in)
wing 213–233 mm (8.4–9.2 in)
tail 83–97 mm (3.3–3.8 in)
culmen 42–45.5 mm (1.65–1.79 in)
tarsus 45–48.5 mm (1.77–1.91 in)

Vocalisations

The black scoter and common scoter have diagnosably distinct vocalisations.[6]

Distribution and habitat

The black scoter breeds in the far north of

Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts, and in Asia as far south as China.[3][7]

Some birds may over-winter on the Great Lakes. This species is a very rare vagrant to western Europe; only drakes are safely identifiable out of range, so females are likely to be undetected.

Ecology

Female Black Scoter photographed in Ottawa, Ontario

This species dives for

duck weed while nesting on freshwater. It forms large flocks on suitable coastal waters in winter quarters. These are tightly packed, and the birds tend to take off together; in the breeding season they are less social. It has been suggested that in coastal waters this species prefers sheltered embayments, and possibly waters that include some mixed depths.[8]

Black scoters nest later than most other ducks in North America. Pairs form in late winter or spring. The lined nest is built on the ground close to the sea, lakes or rivers, in woodland or

eggs
are laid. Each eggs weighs from 60–74 g (2.1–2.6 oz), or 8% of the females body weight. The incubation period may range from 27 to 31 days. Females brood their young extensively for about 3 weeks, after which the still flightless young must fend for themselves.

The male performs a diagnostic downward head movement when stretching his wings.[5]

References

  1. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T22732425A132662655.en
    . Retrieved 12 November 2021.
  2. ISBN 978-1-4081-2501-4
    .
  3. ^ a b "Black Scoter (Melanitta nigra)". Sea Duck Information Series. Sea Duck Joint Venture. 2003. Retrieved 15 November 2006.
  4. ^ Godfrey, W. Earl (1966). The Birds of Canada. Ottawa: National Museum of Canada. p. 358.
  5. ^
    ISBN 0-679-45122-6
    .
  6. S2CID 59519919
    .
  7. JSTOR 1362896
    .
  8. ^ Deghi, Gary; et al. (1998). Environmental Impact Report for the Pillar Point East Harbor Master Plan (Report). San Mateo County Harbor District: Earth Metrics Inc.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Melanitta americana.
Wikispecies has information related to Melanitta americana.
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