The Black scoter or American scoter (Melanitta americana), is a large species of scoter, 43 to 49 cm (17 to 19 in) in length. Together with the common scoter (Melanitta nigra), it forms the subgenus Oidemia; the two are sometimes considered conspecific, the black scoter then being referred to as Melanitta nigra americana. Its French name, used in parts of its Canadian range, is macreuse noire (also meaning "black scoter").