Velvet Scoter

The Velvet Scoter, Melanitta fusca, is a large sea duck, which breeds over the far north of Europe, Asia and North America, where it is known as the White-winged Scoter.

It winters further south in temperate zones, on the Great Lakes, the coasts of the northern USA and the southern coasts of Canada, Europe as far south as Great Britain, and Asia as far south as China. It forms large flocks on suitable coastal waters. These are tightly packed, and the birds tend to take off together.

The lined nest is built on the ground close to the sea, lakes or rivers, in woodland or tundra. 5-8 eggs are laid.

It is characterised by its bulky shape and large bill. It is the largest scoter. The male is all black, except for white around the eye and a white speculum. It has a bulbous yellow bill. Males of the American race Melanitta fusca deglandi have browner flanks and a taller bill knob. The females are brown birds with pale head patches.

This species dives for crustaceans and molluscs.