Th Black Scoter is a large sea duck known for its entirely black plumage and the vibrant, bulbous orange-yellow knob at the base of the male's bill. Primarily found along North America's rocky coastlines during the winter, these birds are expert divers that forage in the surf for mollusks, crustaceans, and other aquatic invertebrates. Unlike other scoter species, the Black Scoter lacks any white wing patches, making it easily identifiable in flight by its uniform dark wings and two-toned underwing contrast. They are often recognized by their constant, melodic whistling calls, a sound that carries across the ocean even when the birds are far from shore. Black Scoter is generally the least common of the three Scoter species found in North America, despite their former name of "Common Scoter". They are only rare migrants in South Dakota.
Habitat:
In summer, they breed on lakes in boreal forests of Canada and Alaska, as well as wet tundra. Winter habitat is primarily along coastal waters, primarily within a mile or two of shore. A few may over-winter on the Great Lakes or other large inland water bodies.
Diet:
Primarily feeds on mollusks when at sea, but also crustaceans, marine worms, and small fish. During summer breeding season, feeds heavily on aquatic insects as well as small fish, mollusks and crustaceans, and aquatic plants.
Behavior:
Diving ducks, feeding by diving below the water's surface and propelling themselves with their feet in search of food.
Interactive eBird Map:
Click to access an interactive map of Black Scoter sightings
Song:
Often silent, but the male has a very musical coor-loo call, more musical than other Scoter species. The male also whistles during courtship.
Click here to hear the songs and courtship calls of a small group of Black Scoters
Migration:
Summers locally in eastern Canada and in Alaska. Winters along both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of North America. They are relatively rare migrants in South Dakota.
Similar Species:
Surf Scoter , White-winged Scoter. The White-winged Scoter is most easily distinguished by the white patches on its wings and a small white "comma" around the eye, while the Surf Scoter stands out due to its "skunk-like" white patches on the forehead and nape and its massive, multi-colored bill. In contrast, the male Black Scoter is the only species with entirely black plumage, lacking any white markings and instead featuring a prominent bulbous orange-yellow knob at the base of its bill.
Conservation Status:
The species of conservation concern due to significant historical population declines and its extreme vulnerability to oil spills in its coastal wintering grounds. While recent trends appear relatively stable, it has lost more than half of its global population over the last 50 years. The IUCN considers the Black Scoter to be a "Near Threatened" species.
Further Information
- eBird - Black Scoter
- Audubon Field Guide - Black Scoter
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology - All About Birds: Black Scoter
