Stejneger’s Scoter
Melanitta stejnegeri
Stejneger's Scoter is a rare winter visitor to Britain, typically seen in coastal areas, particularly in the northern and eastern parts of the country. It is most likely to be spotted during periods of harsh weather, when individuals may be blown off course or forced to seek shelter in British waters.
Field Identification Guide
Use these features to identify Stejneger’s Scoter in the field.
The Stejneger's Scoter can be identified by its bulky shape, black plumage, and distinctive yellow knob at the base of the bill, as well as its pale yellow to orange-yellow patch on the forehead.
The Stejneger's Scoter is larger than a Common Gull, with a sturdy build and a broad, rounded head.
The male Stejneger's Scoter has a glossy black plumage with a yellow knob at the base of the bill and a pale yellow to orange-yellow patch on the forehead, which can vary in colour intensity depending on the season.
The female Stejneger's Scoter is similar to the male, but lacks the yellow knob at the base of the bill and has a duller, more brownish-black plumage.
The Stejneger's Scoter has a low, guttural call, often described as a soft "bark" or "grunt", which is typically heard during courtship or when the bird is alarmed.
Stejneger's Scoters are social birds that often gather in large flocks, feeding on molluscs, crustaceans, and other marine animals in coastal waters, and are known for their rapid, direct flight style.
The Stejneger's Scoter can be confused with the Common Scoter, but can be distinguished by the yellow knob at the base of the bill and the pale yellow to orange-yellow patch on the forehead, which are absent in the Common Scoter.
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