Melanitta fusca
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.
Length
51cm to 58cm
Wingspan
90cm to 99cm
Weight
1.2kg to 2kg
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
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.
Sea level to 2,000 meters
Subarctic, Temperate
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:
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