What Is a Scoter?

There are many different types of ducks, each with its own distinct features and characteristics, and a scoter is just one type found in the world. They are large seaducks that are endemic to Europe, Asia and North America. All scoters belong to the scientific classification genus Melanitta, which is further subdivided into several subgenera containing five distinct species of ducks.

The black scoter, or American scoter (Melanitta americana) is native to North America. These ducks breed in the far northern reaches of the continent, including parts of Canada and Alaska, but spend their winters in the more temperate climates of the southern United States and Mexico. They measure approximately 16 to 19 inches (40.64 to 48.26 centimeters) long, weighing between 2 and 2.5 pounds (0.90 to 1.13 kilograms). This type is black to dark brown with a yellow bill. They're closely related to the common scoter and are one half of the subgenus Oidemia.

Common scoters (Melanitta nigra) grow just a bit larger than their American cousins and measure up to 21.25 inches (53.97 centimeters) long. Melanitta nigra is native to Europe and parts of Asia. The birds are black to dark brown with only a small touch of yellow around their nostrils.

The subgenus Melanitta is made up of three species: the surf scoter (Melanitta perspicillata), velvet scoter (Melanitta fusca) and the white-winged scoter (Melanitta deglandi). All three birds are similar in size and shape to their relatives in the Oidemia subgenus. The main difference between the two groups is that the velvet, surf and white-winged species all have bits of white in their feathers, a feature that is lacking in American and common Melanitta ducks.

Melanitta perspicillata is native to North America and has a similar range to Melanitta americana. Like other birds in the species, they are primarily brown or black in color. Unlike Melanitta americana, the surf scoter has patches of white feathers around its neck and forehead. The ducks' bills are yellow with white patches.

Ducks belonging to the Melanitta fusca species prefer Europe, Asia and parts of the temperate zones of the Middle East. The velvet species measures up to about 23 inches (58.42 centimeters) long and can weigh as much as 3 pounds (1.36 kilograms). Primarily black or brown, this species has a patch of white feathers around its eye and on its wings. Melanitta fusca ducks also have a thick yellow bill with a black base.

The largest of all Melanitta ducks, Melanitta deglandi, lives in North America and Canada. This duck weighs up to 4 pounds (1.81 kilograms) and measures just over 23.5 inches (59.69 centimeters). White-winged scoters look similar to velvets, but have a vastly different geographic range, making confusion of the two species impossible.

A scoter is a type of sea duck known for its stout body and large bill. These birds are typically found in northern regions, with breeding grounds in the Arctic and subarctic areas. During winter, they migrate to coastal waters, often along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of North America. Scoters are also seen in parts of Europe and Asia, frequenting cold, coastal environments.

There are three main species of scoters recognized in North America: the Black Scoter, the Surf Scoter, and the White-winged Scoter. Globally, some taxonomies include additional species such as the Common Scoter and the Velvet Scoter, bringing the total to around five species, depending on the classification system used by ornithologists.

Scoters are diving ducks that primarily feed on aquatic organisms. Their diet consists of mollusks, crustaceans, and small fish. They are adept at foraging in marine environments, often diving to considerable depths to retrieve their prey. During breeding season, they may also consume insects and aquatic plants available in freshwater habitats.

Scoter populations are subject to various pressures, including habitat loss and pollution. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Black Scoter and the Velvet Scoter are currently listed as "Vulnerable," indicating they face a high risk of endangerment in the wild. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect these species and their habitats.

Different species of scoters can be identified by their distinct plumage and bill characteristics. For example, the male Black Scoter has an all-black body and a distinctive yellow knob on its bill. The Surf Scoter has a multicolored bill and white patches on its head, while the White-winged Scoter has white wing patches visible in flight and a unique bill shape.

Scoters breed in the northern tundra, near freshwater lakes and rivers. They are generally monogamous during the breeding season. Females build nests on the ground, often concealed by vegetation, and lay a clutch of 5-9 eggs. After hatching, the young are precocial and are led to water by their mother, where they learn to forage and eventually fly.