The genus name is derived from Ancient Greek melas "black" and netta "duck".

Its French name, used in parts of its Canadian range, is macreuse noire (also meaning "black scoter").

This species is a very rare vagrant to western Europe; only drakes are safely identifiable out of range, so females are likely to be undetected.

This species dives for crustaceans and molluscs while migrating or wintering on the sea-coasts, and feeds on insects and their larvae, especially caddisflies, fish eggs and, more rarely, vegetation such as duck weed while nesting on freshwater.

The lined nest is built on the ground close to the sea, lakes or rivers, in woodland or tundra.

The male performs a diagnostic downward head movement when stretching his wings.