- Melanitta fusca
Identification
51-58cm. Black, white 'tear drop' just behind the eye, yellow long bill, thick neck and pointed tail. In flight, it shows a white patch on the rear of the wing.
Distribution
Scandinavia, especially Sweden and Norway.
Taxonomy
Formerly considered conspecific with the North American White-winged Scoter M. deglandi.
Habitat
Lakes, coastal waters, estuaries.
Behaviour
The diet includes shellfish, crabs, sea urchins, fish, insect larvae and plants.
It builds a lined nest on the ground close to the sea, lakes or rivers, in woodland or tundra. 7-9 eggs are laid.
Bird Song
<flashmp3>Melanitta fusca (song).mp3</flashmp3>
Listen in an external program
