The velvet scoter is a large sea duck, which breeds over the far north of Europe and the Palearctic west of the Yenisey basin. The genus name is derived from Ancient Greek melas "black" and netta "duck". The species name is from the Latin fuscus "dusky brown".
Region
Northern Eurasia
Typical Environment
Breeds across the boreal zone of northern Europe and western Russia, nesting near freshwater lakes, slow rivers, and boggy tundra edges. In the non-breeding season it moves to temperate coasts, favoring sheltered bays, estuaries, and shallow continental-shelf waters. It often forms dense flocks far offshore where mussel beds are abundant. Occasional inland wintering occurs on large ice-free lakes.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The velvet scoter is a large sea duck with plush, black plumage in males and a striking white wing patch visible in flight. It breeds around northern lakes and rivers and winters in sheltered coastal waters, often forming large rafts offshore. The species has declined in parts of Europe due to bycatch, oiling, and habitat change, and is the Eurasian counterpart of the North American white-winged scoter.
Eggs, Collection Museum Wiesbaden
Composite image of velvet scoter
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
strong, direct flight with rapid wingbeats low over water
Social Behavior
Outside the breeding season, velvet scoters gather in large, tightly packed flocks or rafts. Pairs form in late winter or early spring; nesting is on the ground, concealed in vegetation near water. The female incubates and cares for the brood, while males typically depart during incubation to molt in groups.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations are mostly soft whistles and mellow piping notes from males during courtship. Females give harsher, rasping calls to maintain contact with ducklings and flockmates.
Plumage
Males appear velvety black with a bold white wing panel; females are dark chocolate-brown with softer texture and diffuse mottling.
Diet
Primarily dives for benthic mollusks such as mussels and clams, also taking crustaceans, aquatic insect larvae, and occasionally small fish. It uses strong legs and slightly open bill to probe and wrench prey from substrates. Freshwater breeding sites prompt more insect-heavy feeding, while marine wintering grounds are dominated by shellfish.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in shallow to moderately deep coastal waters over mussel beds, sandflats, and rocky substrates. On breeding lakes it forages along weedy margins and over the lakebed for invertebrates.
