Melanitta perspicillata
The Surf Scoter (*Melanitta perspicillata*) is a charismatic and distinctive sea duck, immediately recognizable by the male's striking black plumage contrasting with bold white patches on the forehead and nape, and an extravagantly colored bill featuring orange, yellow, and white. Males measure 45-56 cm in length, boast a wingspan of 76-90 cm, and weigh between 950-1300g, making them robust diving ducks. Females are more subtly attired in dusky brown, often with two diffuse white patches on t...
Primarily coastal marine environments and large freshwater lakes during non-breeding seasons; breeds in the boreal forests of North America, typically near small, shallow freshwater bodies, at low to moderate elevations.
Predominantly mollusks (especially mussels, clams, oysters) and crustaceans, supplemented by small fish and aquatic insects; some aquatic plant matter is consumed, particularly on breeding grounds. Food is obtained primarily by diving.
Surf Scoters are largely diurnal, spending much of their active hours diving for food, often in large, coordinated groups during winter. They typically roost on the open ocean or large freshwater bodies, forming dense rafts. Foraging involves powerful dives, propelling themselves with their large...
The Surf Scoter breeds across the vast boreal forests of North America, with its primary breeding grounds extending from Alaska eastward through Yukon Territory, Northwest Territories, and across much of Canada to Labrador, including parts of northern British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Mani...
Least Concern
- Surf Scoters can dive to impressive depths, sometimes over 60 feet (18 meters), in search of food. - The male's large, strong bill is perfectly adapted for crushing the shells of mollusks like mussels and clams. - The intricate orange, yellow, and white pattern on the male's bill intensifies in...