Velvet Scoter
Melanitta fusca
Length 51-58cm

Appreciably larger than common scoter with which this species often mixes. Male has mainly all-black plumage but white eye, white patch under eye and yellow patch on bill visible at considerable distance. Female brownish but with pale patches at base of bill and on cheek. Both sexes have distinctive white wing patch, sometimes visible when swimming but most obvious in flight. Scarce winter visitor to Britain and Ireland mainly to N and E Scotland and England.