m |
|||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
;Melanitta nigra | ;Melanitta nigra | ||
| − | [[Image:Common_Scoter.jpg|thumb| | + | [[Image:Common_Scoter.jpg|thumb|550px|right|Photo by Rob <br> Netherlands]] |
| − | + | ||
| − | |||
==Identification== | ==Identification== | ||
| − | some have split the american form from the old world form. Thus, M. nigra (Common Scoter) and M. americana (Black Scoter). | + | Is characterized by its bulky shape and large bill. The male is all black with a bulbous bill which shows some yellow coloration around the nostrils. The female is a brown bird with pale cheeks, very similar to female Black Scoter. |
| + | |||
| + | This species can be distinguished from other scoters, apart from Black, by the lack of white anywhere on the drake, and the more extensive pale areas on the female. | ||
| + | ==Distribution== | ||
| + | Breeds over the far north of Europe and Asia east to the Olenyok River. <br> | ||
| + | Estimated wintering population in north-western Europe to be about 130,000, mostly in the Baltic area, and the UK population at about 20,000. There is a marked passage in spring through the Straits of Dover. | ||
| + | |||
| + | In 2003 a previously unknown wintering population of 50,000+ was found on Shell Flat in the north west of England by Cirrus Energy whilst surveying the area for a new wind farm [1]. Due to this development and a recent oil spill off the coast of Wales, questions about the Common Scoter population have been asked in the UK Parliament [2]. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Although the Common Scoter is a winter visitor to the UK, there are some breeding pairs in the north of Scotland. The species has been placed on the RSPB conservation Red List because of a greater than fifty percent decline in this UK breeding population. In 1998 the UK Government agreed to a biodiversity action plan (BAP) for the Common Scoter to increase the breeding population to 100 pairs by 2008 | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==Taxonomy== | ||
| + | Some have split the american form from the old world form. Thus, M. nigra (Common Scoter) and M. americana (Black Scoter). | ||
| + | ==Habitat== | ||
| + | It winters further south in temperate zones, on the coasts of Europe as far south as Morocco. It forms large flocks on suitable coastal waters. These are tightly packed, and the birds tend to take off and dive together. | ||
| + | ==Behaviour== | ||
| + | This species dives for crustaceans and molluscs; it also eats aquatic insects and small fish when on fresh water. | ||
| + | |||
| + | |||
| + | |||
==Bird Song== | ==Bird Song== | ||
<flashmp3>Melanitta nigra (song).mp3</flashmp3><br /> | <flashmp3>Melanitta nigra (song).mp3</flashmp3><br /> | ||
Revision as of 16:52, 9 July 2007
- Melanitta nigra
Identification
Is characterized by its bulky shape and large bill. The male is all black with a bulbous bill which shows some yellow coloration around the nostrils. The female is a brown bird with pale cheeks, very similar to female Black Scoter.
This species can be distinguished from other scoters, apart from Black, by the lack of white anywhere on the drake, and the more extensive pale areas on the female.
Distribution
Breeds over the far north of Europe and Asia east to the Olenyok River.
Estimated wintering population in north-western Europe to be about 130,000, mostly in the Baltic area, and the UK population at about 20,000. There is a marked passage in spring through the Straits of Dover.
In 2003 a previously unknown wintering population of 50,000+ was found on Shell Flat in the north west of England by Cirrus Energy whilst surveying the area for a new wind farm [1]. Due to this development and a recent oil spill off the coast of Wales, questions about the Common Scoter population have been asked in the UK Parliament [2].
Although the Common Scoter is a winter visitor to the UK, there are some breeding pairs in the north of Scotland. The species has been placed on the RSPB conservation Red List because of a greater than fifty percent decline in this UK breeding population. In 1998 the UK Government agreed to a biodiversity action plan (BAP) for the Common Scoter to increase the breeding population to 100 pairs by 2008
Taxonomy
Some have split the american form from the old world form. Thus, M. nigra (Common Scoter) and M. americana (Black Scoter).
Habitat
It winters further south in temperate zones, on the coasts of Europe as far south as Morocco. It forms large flocks on suitable coastal waters. These are tightly packed, and the birds tend to take off and dive together.
Behaviour
This species dives for crustaceans and molluscs; it also eats aquatic insects and small fish when on fresh water.
Bird Song
<flashmp3>Melanitta nigra (song).mp3</flashmp3>
Listen in an external program
