Velvet scoter
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- M. f. fusca
- M. f. stejnegeri
- M. f. deglandi (White-winged Scoter)
The Velvet Scoter (Melanitta fusca) is a large sea duck, which breeds over the far north of Europe, Asia and North America, where it is known as the White-winged Scoter.
It winters further south in temperate zones, on the Great Lakes, the coasts of the northern USA and the southern coasts of Canada, Europe as far south as Great Britain, and Asia as far south as China. It forms large flocks on suitable coastal waters. These are tightly packed, and the birds tend to take off together.
The lined nest is built on the ground close to the sea, lakes or rivers, in woodland or tundra. 5-8 eggs are laid. This duck dives for crustaceans and molluscs.
It is characterised by its bulky shape and large bill. It is the largest scoter at 51-58 cm. The male is all black, except for white around the eye and a white speculum. It has a bulbous yellow bill. The females are brown birds with pale head patches.
There are three races. M. f. fusca breeds in Europe and western Asia, M. f. stejnegeri in Siberia, and M. f. deglandi in North America. Males of the American race have browner flanks and a taller bill knob than fusca, and the Siberian form has an even taller bill knob. Females of all three races are identical in the field. White-winged Scoter is sometimes separated as a different species.