Velvet Scoter

Melanitta fusca

The Velvet Scoter is a large sea duck found in northern Europe and Asia. It has a distinctive dark plumage with a velvet-like appearance, and a bright yellow knob at the base of its bill. This species is often found in coastal marine habitats, where it dives for mollusks, crustaceans, and small fish. Velvet Scoters are known for their strong, direct flight and can often be seen in large flocks during the winter months. While they are not currently considered to be globally threatened, they face some localized threats from habitat degradation and disturbance.

Habitat: Coastal marine habitats