Common Scoter

Melanitta nigra

The common scoter is a large sea duck, 43–54 cm (17–21 in) in length, which breeds over the far north of Europe and the Palearctic east to the Olenyok River. The black scoter of North America and eastern Siberia was formerly considered to be a subspecies.

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Low-Light Telephoto Systems

Identifying specific features of the Common Scoter requires high-contrast magnification. Check out the top-rated 8x42 optics.

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📘 ID Reference Card

Duck & Waterfowl ID Reference

Compact pocket-card format — print & fold. Covers plumage, field marks, and song mnemonics.

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