Velvet Scoter
Melanitta fusca
Visual Identification
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.
Size
Length
51cm to 58cm
Wingspan
90cm to 99cm
Weight
1.2kg to 2kg
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
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.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 2,000 meters
Climate zones
Subarctic, Temperate
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Velvet 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
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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 Velvet Scoter demonstrates remarkable agility, particularly in aquatic environments. Their ability to dive to depths of 30 metres and manoeuvre underwater to catch prey showcases exceptional dexterity. Additionally, their capacity to fly at speeds up to 75 km/h (46 mph) during migration indicates considerable aerial agility for a large sea duck.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
These large sea ducks possess considerable strength, evident in their diving capabilities and ability to crush shellfish with their strong bills. Their robust build, weighing up to 2 kg, and the power required for long-distance migration further support this rating.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Velvet Scoters exhibit good adaptability, thriving in both subarctic breeding grounds and temperate coastal wintering areas. Their ability to forage at various depths and consume a range of aquatic prey demonstrates flexibility. However, their vulnerability to habitat changes and marine pollution suggests some limitations in adaptability.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
While Velvet Scoters are not typically aggressive birds, they may display some territorial behaviour during breeding season. Their social nature, often forming large flocks, suggests a generally peaceful disposition. However, like many waterfowl, they likely defend nests and young when necessary.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
The Velvet Scoter shows exceptional endurance. Their long-distance migratory behaviour, ability to dive repeatedly to significant depths, and capacity to withstand harsh subarctic conditions during breeding season all point to remarkable stamina. Their potential lifespan of up to 20 years in the wild further supports this high endurance rating.
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.
Vocalisation
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 and Status
Global Conservation Status
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
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Predators
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.
Similar Birds
References
- 1 2
website: BirdLife International. 2020. Melanitta fusca. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020: e.T22724836A183801134.
View source - 3
report, 2011: Skov et al.
- 4
website, 2010: Fransson et al., EURING list of longevity records for European birds
View source
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