The Black Scoter is the plainest scoter — the male is entirely black with a distinctive yellow knob at the base of the bill. Females are dark brown with pale cheeks. Large flocks fly in long lines low over the ocean during migration. It is an Arctic breeder that winters along both US coasts.
Best time to see a Black Scoter
The best time to see a Black Scoter is November–February, when about 66% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 6,777 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Black Scoter? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Black Scoter sightings near you
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