description Velvet Scoter Overview
The Velvet Scoter is a large sea duck that breeds across northern Europe and Asia and winters mainly in coastal waters. Adult males are mostly black, with a white patch below the eye, a yellow-and-orange bill, and a white wing panel that is especially visible in flight. Females are dark brown with paler facial markings and the same white wing patch. It feeds by diving for mollusks, crustaceans, and other aquatic animals.
help Velvet Scoter FAQ
Where does the Velvet Scoter breed?
The Velvet Scoter breeds across northern Europe and Asia. It generally winters in coastal waters after leaving its northern breeding range.
What does a male Velvet Scoter look like?
Adult males are mostly black, with a white patch below the eye and a yellow-and-orange bill. They also have a white wing panel that is most visible in flight.
How can you identify a Velvet Scoter in flight?
Look for the white wing panel against the otherwise dark body. On a perched male, the white facial patch and yellow-and-orange bill are also useful identification marks.
Does the Velvet Scoter live on inland lakes or the sea?
It breeds inland across northern Europe and Asia but spends winter mainly in coastal waters. This seasonal movement is typical of a migratory sea duck.
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