Black Scoter (Melanitta americana)
A large sea duck, characterised by its bulky shape and large bill. The species breeds in the far North of Canada, in Labrador and Newfoundland and migrates into more moderate regions South. Dives for crustacean and mollusks.
How to Identify
Drake is completely black with a bulky yellow beak. Female is brown with pale cheeks.
Where and When to Spot
I observed this species in May at the coast in Tadoussac.
Common Names
Black Scoter, American Scoter
Melanitta americana (de)
Negrón americano (es)
Macreuse noire (fr)
Taxonomy
Anseriformes
Anatidae
Melanitta americana