Black Scoter (Melanitta nigra), Solar Power and Water Ponds, Yuma County

This Black Scoter was found and photographed by Brian Johnson on 16 October 2019

Casual late fall through winter visitor to Arizona, particularly along the lower Colorado River. This species was annual from 2005 to 2014, but there have been fewer reports in the state since then. There are ~30 records for the state. If accepted by the ABC this would represent the first record for Yuma County.

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 also the size compared to the Surf Scoters it is with in the 3rd photo.

16 October 2019, photo by Brian Johnson

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