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.
Best time to see a Surf Scoter
The best time to see a Surf Scoter is October–February, when about 64% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 22,904 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Surf Scoter? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Surf Scoter sightings near you
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