View Cart
CheckOut
My Account
 

Identicards

   Online Store

 
   Magazines
     Free Fishing Magazine
     Free Hunting Magazine
     Subscriptions Fishing
     Subscriptions Hunting
     Back Issue Magazines
 
   Quick Links
     State DNR's
     Fishing Link Index
     Hunting Link Index
     Outdoor Link Index
 
   Species Identification
     Freshwater Fish
     Saltwater Fish
     Waterfowl
        Dabbling Ducks
        Diving Ducks
        Geese
     Deer
 
   Articles
     Hunting Articles
 
   Information
     Contact Us
      Advertising

Return to All About Diving Ducks   

Diving Ducks Family

Common Scoter
Melanitta nigra


male
female
Similar Waterfowl:
None
Description:

Common scoters are among the most vocal of waterfowl species. Male common scoters are entirely black except for a yellow protuberance on the base of the bill and the gray lower surface of the flight feathers. The legs and feet are dusky and the iris is brown. Female common scoters are dark brown with light whitish cheeks, chin and throat, which contrast with a dark crown. The legs and feet are dusky and the iris is brown.
Typical Size:

The male and female average 19 inches in length and weigh 2 1/2 pounds. They have a wingspan of 32 inches.
Habitat:

Black scoters prefer to nest in large clumps of tundra grass and swamp and pond areas.
Breeding:
 In North America, common scoters breed in western and southern Alaska, the Aleutian Islands, and scattered areas in central and eastern Canada, including southern Keewatin, northern Quebec, and Newfoundland. They also are found from southern Yukon and Mackenzie east to Labrador and Newfoundland and lay 8 to 9 eggs.
Diet:

Common scoters dive to feed on mollusks, crustaceans, and small fishes found in marine and freshwater habitats. Their diet also includes small amounts of eelgrass, muskgrass, widgeon grass, pondweeds, and algae found in inland habitats.
Migration and Wintering:
 Major wintering areas for common scoters include the Pacific coast from the Pribilof and Aleutian Islands to southern California, the Great Lakes, and the Atlantic coast from Newfoundland to South Carolina.
Flyway Patterns:

The common scoter can be most commonly found along the coastal flyways.
Flight Formation:

Irregular groups or lines. They fly low over water. Flight is strong and swift which causes their wings to whistle in flight. They reach speeds of 60 MPH.
Voice:
 The males have a melodious COUR-LEW and the females have a harsh QUACK.

 

Website created by WebCetera Designs

Product SiteMap - Page Site Map

 

 
 


Waterproof Waterfowl
Ident-I-Cards