General
Surf Scoter: Medium-sized diving duck, entirely black except for white patches on forehead and nape. Bill is orange, black, and white. Eyes are white. Female and juvenile have dark brown upperparts, white cheek and ear patches, paler brown underparts with faint bars on sides, and dark bills and eyes.
Range and Habitat
Surf Scoter: Breeds in Alaska and across northern Canada to Labrador. Spends winters mainly along coasts, from Alaska south to California and from Newfoundland south to Florida, and rarely to Texas. Breeds on northern lakes and spends winters almost entirely on the ocean and in large coastal bays.
Breeding and Nesting
Surf Scoter: Five to eight pale buff, light pink or buff white eggs are laid in a down-lined depression hidden under a bush or in marsh vegetation, not necessarily near water. Incubation is carried out by the female and ranges from 25 to 30 days.
Foraging and Feeding
Surf Scoter: Feeds mainly on mollusks, crustaceans, aquatic insects, small fish, aquatic plants, and seeds; forages by diving from the surface.
Vocalization
Surf Scoter: Generally silent, but sometimes makes a low, throaty sound. During courtship, male whistles and makes a gurgling call.
Similar Species
Surf Scoter: Male Black Scoter lacks white on head; female has pale gray lower face and throat. Male White-winged Scoter has white eye and wing patches; female has white wing patches.