Common Scoter

Melanitta nigra

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Brief #

Characterised by its bulky shape and large bill.

Synonyms #

  • Negrón común (Spanish)
  • Pentumeiro (Galician)

Red List Status #

The Common Scoter is unlikely to become extinct in the near future.
Find out more about IUCN's Red List program here

Description #

It is characterised by its bulky shape and large bill. The male is all black with a bulbous bill which shows some yellow coloration around the nostrils. The female is a brown bird with pale cheeks, very similar to female black scoter. This species can be distinguished from other scoters, apart from black scoter, by the lack of white anywhere on the drake and the more extensive pale areas on the female.

Measurements #

Length: 43 - 54 cm
Wingspan: 79 - 90 cm
Weight: 0.86 - 1.27 kg

Similar species #