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

This Black Scoter was discovered and  photographed by Troy Corman on 21 January 2011

Casual, but possibly increasing fall and winter visitor to Arizona with more recent records than in past.  There have been four documented reports this winter. 

Approximatley the same size as an American Wigeon. Overall uniform dark brown coloration, with large pale cheek area contrasting sharpley with dark brown top of head and hind neck. Although color and pattern suggests female, the pale yellow area at the base of the top bill makes this a first-winter male.

21 January 2011, photo by Troy Corman