Common Scoter
Melanitta nigra
Length 44-54cm

Locally common winter visitor to coastal waters around Scotland, Ireland and Wales; scarce breeding species in Scotland and Ireland. Male is only all-black British duck; yellow ridge on bill visible only at close range. Female has mainly dark brown plumage but has noticeably pale cheeks. Invariably seen in flocks out to sea. Dives well and often after crustaceans and molluscs, especially mussels. In flight, often forms long lines of birds flying low over the water; migrating birds may gather into clustered flock in flight.