Black Scoter (Melanitta nigra), Lake Pleasant, Maricopa County

This Black Scoter was found by Kurt Radamaker on 21 December 2014 and photographed by Chris Rohrer on 29 December 2014

One of two present at this location.

Casual late fall through winter visitor to Arizona though recently it has been annual, particularly along the lower Colorado River. 

Dark cap contrasting with clean pale face, thick and long sloping bill typical of scoters, and long all dark body. The all dark flanks are a useful trait for telling this species apart from similar basic plumaged male Ruddy Ducks which would have paler, rufous-tinged flanks. Note the pale yellow knob starting to form at the base of the bill a feature typical of young males.

29 December 2014, photo by Chris Rohrer