Black scoter
Scientific name: Melanitta americana
- How weight is recorded: Whole weight
Field notes
Appearance
Males are entirely black with a bright yellow-orange knob at the base of the bill; females are dark brown-gray with lighter cheeks and throat. Both sexes have relatively small heads and slender bills.
Size and weight
Males 43–49 cm, 900–1100 g; females 40–46 cm, 750–900 g.
Habitat
Black scoters inhabit coastal marine waters, large lakes, and open water bodies during winter and migration. They breed on freshwater lakes and tundra ponds in northern regions.
Distribution
North American populations breed across northern Alaska, Canada, and Greenland; they winter primarily along Atlantic and Pacific coasts and in ice-free freshwater lakes.
Diet
Black scoters dive for mollusks, crustaceans, aquatic insects, and small fish; diet shifts seasonally based on available benthic invertebrates in their habitat.
Behaviour
Highly social and gregarious, often forming large flocks on open water; they are strong, fast fliers and spend most daylight hours feeding, resting, or traveling on water.
Hunting tips
Scout open water areas and coastal leads from elevated vantage points in early morning and late afternoon when flocks are most active. Approach using natural shoreline cover and move slowly to avoid flushing birds. Use decoys strategically in open water; scoters are wary and require careful stalking—approach from upwind when possible and remain concealed until ready to take a shot.
Whole weight
This species is logged by whole weight — the animal weighed entire, as taken.
Where it is hunted
Listed as huntable in 1 country in Huntify.
Names in other languages
- noAmerikasvartand
- svAmerikansk sjöorre
- daAmerikansk sortand
- fiAmerikanmustalintu
- deAmerikanische Trauerente
- frMacreuse d'Amérique
- esNegrón americano
Current language: en
These field notes are general species knowledge, not legal advice. Always check the current seasons, quotas and firearm rules where you hunt.