Black Scoter (Melanitta americana)
A large sea duck, characterized 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.
- 🇫🇷 Macreuse noire, Macreuse américaine
- 🇩🇪 Melanitta americana
- 🇲🇽 Negrón americano
Characteristics
- Length: 45-52cm
- Weight: 1.2-2.0kg
- Wingspan: 80-90cm
How to Identify
Drake is completely black with a bulky yellow beak. Female is brown with pale cheeks.
Click on photo to enlarge.
Where and When to Spot
I observed this species in May at the coast in Tadoussac.