Common Scoter
Melanitta nigra
Visual Identification
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.
Size
Length
43cm to 54cm
Wingspan
79cm to 90cm
Weight
800g to 1.5kg
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
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.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 100 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subarctic
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Common Scoter. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
This feature is in beta. We'd love your feedback to improve it!
Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Common Scoter demonstrates remarkable agility in water, being an excellent diver capable of reaching depths up to 30 metres. Their ability to manoeuvre swiftly underwater to catch prey and evade predators indicates high agility.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
While not exceptionally strong for their size, Common Scoters possess considerable strength to dive deep, swim against currents, and pry open shellfish. Their ability to use their wings for underwater propulsion also suggests good muscular strength.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Common Scoters show good adaptability, thriving in both freshwater breeding grounds and marine wintering areas. Their ability to drink seawater thanks to special salt glands demonstrates physiological adaptation. However, their specific habitat and dietary requirements somewhat limit their overall adaptability.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Common Scoters are not particularly aggressive birds. They are highly social, often forming large flocks, which suggests a relatively peaceful nature. However, males may display some aggression during courtship and territorial defence in breeding season.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
The Common Scoter exhibits exceptional endurance. Their ability to dive repeatedly to depths of up to 30 metres, coupled with their long-distance migratory behaviour, demonstrates remarkable stamina. Additionally, their capacity to withstand cold waters and harsh Arctic breeding conditions further underscores their high endurance.
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.
Vocalisation
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 and Status
Global Conservation Status
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.
Population Data
Global Population Estimate
1,600,000 individuals [2]
Global Population Trend
Trend data may be uncertain or fluctuating
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
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Predators
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.
Similar Birds
References
- 1
website: BirdLife International. 2018. Melanitta nigra. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22724879A132257623.
View source - 2
report, 2006: Delany and Scott
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