Velvet Scoter

Melanitta fusca

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Brief #

All black, except for white around the eye and yellow bill.

Synonyms #

  • Negrón especulado (Spanish)
  • Pentumeiro de ala branca (Galician)

Red List Status #

The Velvet Scoter is at high risk of unnatural (human-caused) extinction without further human intervention.
Find out more about IUCN's Red List program here

Description #

The male is all black, except for white around the eye and a white speculum. It has a bulbous yellow bill with a black base. The females are brown birds with two pale patches on each side of the head and white wing patches.

Measurements #

Length: 52 - 59 cm
Wingspan: 90 - 99 cm
Weight: 1.1 - 2 kg

Similar species #