Black scoter

All-black duck.

Scientific name	Melanitta nigra
English name	Black scoter
Japanese name	黒鴨
Classification	Aves
Classification details	Anseriformes Anatidae
Full length	45-54cm
Distribution	Breeds at high latitudes in Eurasia and North America, and migrates to Japan in winter.

Characteristics

A male duck whose whole body is black. Only the base of the beak is bright yellow, and the rest of the body is black. The iris is dark brown and hard to see. The female is brown and has a pale gray face below her eyes.

Ecology

Individuals that fly to winter in the winter can be seen in the sea. They move in groups outside the breeding season. It eats crustaceans and mollusks in the water.

Habitat

Mouth of the Abukuma River

This photo was taken near the mouth of the Abukuma River in December. I had a hard time photographing it because it wouldn't let me get closer than a certain distance. In particular, it was difficult to photograph the eyes because the body was black. Repeatedly foraging among other waterfowl such as the horned grebe.