Surf Scoter

The surf scoter (Melanitta perspicillata) is a robust sea duck, cloaked in the darkest of plumages. The adult male is a striking figure, almost entirely black with distinctive white markings gracing his forehead and nape. The female, slightly smaller and dressed in more subdued browns, is less conspicuous. These birds reach maturity at three years, with males averaging 1,050 grams and 48 centimeters in length, and females slightly lighter at around 900 grams and 44 centimeters. The species boasts a wingspan of approximately 76 to 77 centimeters.

Identification Tips

In the field, the male surf scoter is unmistakable with his velvety black plumage and white facial patches. His bill is a kaleidoscope of orange, white, red, and yellow, with a black spot near the base. The female is a more uniform brown, with paler patches on the cheeks and sometimes a white nape patch. Juveniles resemble females but are paler and have a whitish breast and belly. In flight, the surf scoter is the only scoter with entirely dark wings.

Habitat

The surf scoter breeds in the boreal forests of Northern Canada and Alaska, favoring freshwater lakes. During the vulnerable molting period, they seek out bays, inlets, or estuaries with abundant food and lower predation risks. In winter, they inhabit marine habitats close to the shore.

Distribution

This North American native breeds in the northern reaches of Canada and Alaska. Come winter, the birds disperse along the Pacific and Atlantic coasts of North America, with the Pacific coast hosting the largest numbers. A few may venture as far south as the British Isles in western Europe.

Behaviour

Surf scoters are known for their silent demeanor, with males occasionally emitting a gurgling call during courtship and females a crowlike call when defending their young. They are also known to make a "guk" sound when alarmed. These ducks form pairs before arriving at breeding grounds and exhibit strong fidelity to nesting areas. Post-breeding, the young congregate before migrating independently of adults.

Song & Calls

The surf scoter's vocal repertoire is limited. Males may produce a gurgling sound during courtship displays, while females emit a crowlike call when defending their young. An alarmed surf scoter may utter a "guk" sound.

Breeding

Nesting typically begins from mid-May to early June, with the female constructing a ground nest lined with down and debris. Clutches consist of 5 to 9 eggs, incubated solely by the female for about 28 to 30 days. Ducklings feed independently in shallow, protected waters and are abandoned by the mother before they can fly.

Diet and Feeding

The surf scoter's diet consists mainly of benthic invertebrates, with a preference for mussels. They forage in pairs or large flocks, diving synchronously to capture prey. Their foraging strategies and prey selection are influenced by seasonal changes in prey availability.

Conservation status

The surf scoter is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with an estimated global population between 250,000 and 1,300,000 individuals. Despite a slight decline in numbers, the species is not considered vulnerable due to its large range and population size.