Black Scoter
Melanitta americana
Negrón Americano
Song
Black Scoter
The Black Scoter (Melanitta americana). Read in Spanish
Appearance: The adult male Black Scoter (48 cm - 19 in) has a predominantly black plumage with a distinctive yellow knob at the base of its thick yellow bill. The female is primarily brown, with a pale cheek and a dark cap extending from the back of the eye to the nape of the neck. They have e a thick, black bill, and the legs and feet are gray in both sexes.
Habitat: Black Scoters are primarily marine birds and breed in the subarctic and boreal regions of North America. During the breeding season, they inhabit freshwater lakes and ponds in forested areas near their nesting sites. In winter, they migrate to coastal waters and can be found in bays, estuaries, and nearshore areas. Dives in deep water.
Behavior: Black Scoters are diving ducks that forage underwater, using their strong wings to propel themselves. They feed primarily on mollusks, crustaceans, and aquatic invertebrates.These ducks may form small flocks during the non-breeding season and often gather in large groups during migration. They are capable of flying long distances.
Breeding: Black Scoters breed in the northern regions of North America, including Alaska and Canada. They construct nests on the ground, usually hidden among vegetation near bodies of water. The female incubates the eggs for about a month while the male leaves to molt. After hatching, the ducklings are precocial, meaning they are relatively independent and capable of swimming and feeding themselves shortly after birth.
Conservation Status: The Black Scoter is considered a species of Near Threatened status by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Distribution
The Black Scoter duck (Melanitta americana) is a sea duck species primarily distributed in North America and is not typically found in Colombia or other parts of South America. The natural range of the black scoter duck does not extend as far south as Colombia.
It is important to note that bird species have specific geographical ranges that are influenced by factors such as climate, habitat availability, and migratory patterns. While some bird species have the potential to occasionally stray from their normal range due to factors like wind patterns or individual dispersal, these occurrences are considered rare and typically do not indicate a permanent change in distribution.
Therefore, if you are interested in observing black scoter ducks, it would be more suitable to focus your efforts in the appropriate range, which includes North America rather than Colombia.
Taxonomy
The taxonomy of the Black Scoter duck (Melanitta americana) is as follows:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (birds)
- Order: Anseriformes (waterfowl)
- Family: Anatidae (ducks, geese, and swans)
- Subfamily: Anatinae (dabbling ducks)
- Genus: Melanitta
- Species: Melanitta americana
The Black Scoter duck belongs to the genus Melanitta, which is composed of mainly sea ducks. The specific epithet "americana" refers to its North American distribution. It is worth mentioning that taxonomy is a dynamic field, and revisions or updates to species classification can occur based on new scientific knowledge and advancements.
Vocalization
The Black Scoter duck (Melanitta americana) has a variety of vocalizations that it uses for communication. Here are some common vocalizations attributed to this species:
- Call Notes: Black scoter ducks have a distinctive call that is described as a low, mellow, and nasal "rrooo-err" or "hroo-uh." This call is often given while in flight or during social interactions.
- Courtship Displays: During courtship, males may produce an elaborate vocalization known as the "cooing" display. This display involves a series of soft, melodious cooing notes delivered in a rhythmic pattern. It serves as a territorial and courtship display intended to attract females and establish dominance over other males.
- Aggressive Calls: When faced with threats or territorial disputes, black scoter ducks can emit harsh and aggressive calls. These calls are shorter and more aggressive in tone compared to their typical call notes. They are used to assert dominance and defend their territory.
- Non-vocal Sounds: Besides vocalizations, black scoter ducks also produce various non-vocal sounds. These may include sounds created by their wings during display flights, splashing sounds during takeoff or landing in water, and bill noises like bill fences (clacking bills together) used during aggressive encounters.
It's important to note that the vocalizations of bird species can vary between individuals and can be influenced by various factors such as age, sex, breeding status, and context.
