Black Scoter

Scientific name: Melanitta nigra

Due to its remote northern breeding areas, much of what is known about Black Scoters range and reproduction has been learned relatively recently. Pairs are generally solitary, though while molting and during winter larger flocks may form. Rushing chases by Black Scoter males may occur during courtship.

It is thought that Black Scoters do not breed until age two, and there is little data to indicate how long they typically live. Both hunting and oil spills are known sources of mortality, but relatively little information is available regarding the major sources of mortality.

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