Rank: species
Authority: (Swainson, 1832)
IUCN Category: Near Threatened
BOU Category: A

British & Irish Rarity Status: Rare

Related Articles

Rarity finders: Black Scoter at Rossbeigh - an Irish first

Publish date: 14/01/2015

Michael O'Clery discusses the discovery and identification of Ireland's first Black Scoter, remarkably found at the same site as the country's first Stejneger's Scoter.

Rarity finders: Black Scoter in Norfolk

Publish date: 31/01/2024

Careful scrutiny of a big scoter gathering off Holkham Gap produced a county first for Mike Buckland.

Focus On: identifying Black Scoters in all plumages

Publish date: 21/12/2005

Now very much on the rarity-finder's radar, males differ enough to enable a relatively straightforward identification given good views. Leading identification expert Martin Garner provides the definitive criteria for males and offers fresh insights into separating females and immatures, both of which are surely avoiding detection in British and Irish waters.