Black Scoter
Melanitta americana (Swainson, 1832)
DX
BLASC
2132
Family: Anseriformes > Anatidae
The American equivalent of the Common Scoter, which it closely resembles. Taxonomists have only recently recognized this species, which is a very rare visitor to Britain.
Individuals occasionally do a "wing-flap" display while swimming, flapping their wings with the body held up and punctuating this with a downward thrust of head, as if its neck were momentarily broken.
Select a topic for more facts and statistics about the Black Scoter
SEASONALITY
BTO RECORDS
SEASONALITY
BTO RECORDS
Identification
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Our interactive online courses are a great way to develop your bird identification skills, whether you're new to the hobby or a competent birder looking to hone your abilities.
Browse training coursesStatus and Trends
Population size and trends and patterns of distribution based on BTO surveys and atlases with data collected by BTO volunteers.
CONSERVATION STATUS
This species can be found on the following statutory and conservation listings and schedules.
| IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (global) |
Near Threatened 
|
| Schedule 1 license required (to disturb) | No |
| Birds Directive Annex 1 | No |
POPULATION SIZE
We have no population estimates for this scarce species.
| BOU Category | A |
|
First Record
|
Lothian, 1987 |
DISTRIBUTION
This species is a rare vagrant and was recorded during Bird Atlas 2007–11 as shown on the map.
More from the Atlas Mapstore.
Occupied 10-km squares in UK
Movement
Information about movement and migration based on online bird portals (e.g. BirdTrack), Ringing schemes and tracking studies.
RINGING RECOVERIES
View a summary of recoveries in the Online Ringing Report.
Biology
Lifecycle and body size information about Black Scoter, including statistics on nesting, eggs and lifespan based on BTO ringing and nest recording data.
PRODUCTIVITY & NESTING
Sample sizes are too small to report Productivity and Nesting statistics for this species.
BIOMETRICS
Sample sizes are too small to report Biometrics for this species.
Feather measurements and photos on featherbase
CODES & CLASSIFICATION
|
Field Codes
|
2-letter: DX | 5-letter code: BLASC | Euring: 2132 |
For information in another language (where available) click on a linked name
Links to more studies from ConservationEvidence.com
- Reintroduction of the critically endangered Campbell Island teal Anas nesiotis to Campbell Island, New Zealand
- Post-release survival of oiled, cleaned seabirds in North America
- The creation of a floating island of native vegetation at Barton Broad, Norfolk, England
Read more studies about Black Scoter on Conservation Evidence >
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