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Velvet scoters

 

 

 

Velvet scoters are nesters, quite numerous passing migrants and winterers in Estonia, and so we can meet them all year round. During the migration period we see them in the coastal waters as well as in the Lake Peipus watershed.

 

There are no seasonal changers in the plumage of velvet scoters, the basic  and eclipse plumages are similar. As is common for duck family birds the plumage of males and females differ. The male’s is jet black, a little colour on the beak: it is yellowish red, with a small black beak bulb. There is a small contrasting white dot at the eye. The plumage of the female is modestly blackish brown. The weight varies between a kilo up to nearly a couple of kilos. Up to a couple of thousand birds may stay for the winter.

 

Velvet scoters show a well visible white wing patch in flight. It distinguishes them from common scoters.

 

Migrating common scoters

 

Maybe the only duck with completely black plumage, only the beak is orange-coloured. The female has dark brown feathers, only the cheeks a little paler and a yellowish dot on the beak. A good scope is needed. They are smaller and lighter than velvet scoters. Less than a thousand birds stay as winterers. As other diving ducks they feed on mussels, crustaceans, also bristleworms.