Common Scoter (Melanitta nigra)

Common Scoter, a reference photo — Photo: Stephan Sprinz · CC BY-SA 4.0 (licence)

The common scoter (Melanitta nigra) is a large sea duck, 43–54 cm (17–21 in) in length, which breeds over the far north of Europe and the Palearctic east to the Olenyok River. The black scoter (M. americana) of North America and eastern Siberia was formerly considered to be a subspecies.

From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Is it venomous or poisonous?

We have no record of Common Scoter being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.

Easily confused with

Melanitta americana
Melanitta fusca

Classification

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Anseriformes
Family: Anatidae
Genus: Melanitta
Species: Melanitta nigra

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