Species BirdsSurf Scoter

Surf Scoter

Melanitta perspicillata

CommonBird
Illustration of Surf Scoter (Melanitta perspicillata)

The Surf Scoter is named for its habit of diving through breaking surf to reach mussel beds below. The male's multicolored bill and white head patches make it the most distinctive scoter. Uniquely among North American waterfowl, the nest has never been found by ornithologists.

Habitat
Breaking surf and coastal bays in winter; northern Canada lakes when breeding
Diet
Mussels and marine invertebrates
How common
Common

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