Geese, Ducks, Mergansers

Surf Scoter, Melanitta perspicillata

Family Anatidae (Geese, Ducks, Mergansers)

Size: 20"

Season: Winter

Habitat: Coastal waters

The surf scoter is a stocky, large-headed, coastal diving duck with short, pointed wings and a thick-based, colorful bill. The male is black overall with white patches at the back of the neck and on the forehead. The eyes are light, and the bill is orange with white sides framing a round black spot. The female is brownish overall with a black cap, grayish bill, and faint white patches along the base of the bill and cheeks and sometimes on the nape. Surf scoters dive for shellfish and crustaceans, propelled by their short wings. Because of their markings, they are sometimes called skunk-headed ducks. The breeding female (top) and breeding male (bottom) are illustrated.