Black Scoter

Overview

The black scoter drake is the only North American scoter with no white anywhere: an all-black sea duck with a bulbous, mostly yellow bill. It is hunted from layout boats along cold coasts, and Wikipedia's species account notes that the IUCN lists it as Near Threatened.

Identification & Appearance

Drakes are entirely black; the swollen yellow-orange knob at the base of the bill is the only colour on the bird. Hens are brown with pale cheeks, and the pale area is more extensive than on other scoter hens. A drake stretching his wings dips his head downward, a movement described as diagnostic for the species (Wikipedia, "Black scoter").

Range & Habitat

Black scoters breed in the far north of North America, in Labrador and Newfoundland and in the country southeast and northwest of Hudson Bay, nesting on the ground near the sea, lakes or rivers. They winter on the coasts of the northern United States and Canada, down the Pacific side to the San Francisco Bay region and along the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts; some stay on the Great Lakes (Wikipedia, "Black scoter").

Behavior & Sign

On salt water they dive for crustaceans and molluscs. Winter flocks are large and tightly packed, and the birds tend to take off together. They nest later than most other North American ducks. They raft over mussel beds, whistle in flight, and trade low along the coast, decoying to sea-duck spreads.

Hunting Seasons & Timing

Hunted through the sea-duck season of late fall and winter, from layout boats and from shoreline points.

Hunting Methods

Long lines of scoter and eider decoys off points, hunted from anchored layout boats in the surf zone.

Gear & Optics

Twelve-gauge, steel #2 to BB, a seaworthy boat and full cold-water safety gear.

Shot Placement & Field Care

Close shots over the decoys and quick recovery of divers; breast the birds.

Meat & Eating Quality

Strong and fishy like other sea ducks; most hunters breast, soak and cook them boldly.

Mistakes That Cost a Shot

Unsafe open water and poor concealment on a wary diver.

Regulations & Conservation

Black scoters are hunted under sea-duck seasons and limits within the migratory-bird rules. Confirm current regulations and safety before hunting. We do not give legal advice.

FAQ

How do I ID a drake? No white anywhere - an all-black body with a bulbous, mostly yellow bill.

Is it good eating? Strong and fishy; most hunters soak the breasts and cook them boldly.

Sources

• Wikipedia, "Black scoter" (read 12 October 2026): plumage, range, flocks, nesting and conservation status.
• Wikipedia, "Surf scoter" (read 12 October 2026): which scoter is the smallest on average.