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Common Scoter
Melanitta nigra
Migration Flyway
Showing primary migration corridor(s) for this species
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About the Common Scoter
The common scoter (Melanitta nigra) is a large sea duck, 43–54 cm (17–21 in) in length, which breeds over the far north of Europe and the Palearctic east to the Olenyok River. The black scoter (M. americana) of North America and eastern Siberia was formerly considered to be a subspecies.
Source: Wikipedia
Classification
- Scientific name
- Melanitta nigra
- Family
- Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl
- Order
- Anseriformes
Similar species
Other members of the ducks, geese, and waterfowl family recorded in North America — a useful place to start if you are not certain of your identification.
- American Black Duck Anas rubripes
- American Wigeon Mareca americana
- Baer's Pochard Aythya baeri
- Baikal Teal Sibirionetta formosa
- Bar-headed Goose Anser indicus
- Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis
- Barrow's Goldeneye Bucephala islandica
- Black Scoter Melanitta americana
- Black Swan Cygnus atratus
- Black-bellied Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna autumnalis
- Black-necked Swan Cygnus melancoryphus
- Blue-billed Teal Spatula hottentota
Know when the Common Scoter turns up near you
How rare bird alerts work →Gear for spotting Common Scoter
Optics
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You don't need to spend a fortune. These four pairs will get you birding confidently on day one.
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Cameras
Cameras for Bird Photography
From phone adapters to dedicated rigs, here's what actually works for capturing birds in the field.
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