The common scoter 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 of North America and eastern Siberia was formerly considered to be a subspecies.
Region
Northern Palearctic
Typical Environment
Breeds across northern Europe and into Siberia on freshwater lakes, pools, and bogs within tundra and taiga zones. Outside the breeding season it occupies coastal marine waters, especially shallow bays, estuaries, and sandy nearshore areas with abundant benthic shellfish. It commonly forms dense wintering flocks offshore and along exposed coasts. During migration it follows coastlines and major water bodies, staging where food is concentrated.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The common scoter is a powerful diving sea duck that winters in large rafts offshore, often over sandy seabeds rich in mussels and cockles. Males are strikingly all-black with an orange-yellow bill knob, while females are chocolate-brown with pale face patches. It breeds near northern lakes and bogs but spends most of the year at sea. The North American black scoter was once treated as a subspecies but is now considered a separate species.
Egg, Collection Museum Wiesbaden
Temperament
social and wary
Flight Pattern
low, fast flight with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often forms large rafts in winter and on migration, sometimes numbering thousands. Breeding pairs nest on the ground near freshwater, well concealed in vegetation. Pairs are seasonally monogamous, and females solely incubate while males depart early to molt.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Males give mellow, whistling display calls and softer piping notes, especially on breeding grounds. Females produce harsher, rasping quacks and grating calls used for contact and alarm.
