# Surf Scoter (*Melanitta perspicillata*) The Surf Scoter is a colorful duck that loves to dive for food in the ocean. With its bold black and white feathers, it looks very unique and is often seen in coastal areas during winter. - **Category:** [Birds](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/bird) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 9 - **Habitat:** Coastal areas ![Surf Scoter](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Melanitta_perspicillata.jpg&width=800) Photo: Alan D. Wilson, CC BY-SA 2.5 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Melanitta_perspicillata.jpg) ## Appearance The Surf Scoter is a large sea duck. Males are striking all-black with two crisp white patches on the nape and forehead, complemented by a massive, multi-colored bill. Females are dusky brown with subtle pale patches on their cheeks. Their unique bill shape makes them visually distinctive. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Aves - **Order:** Anseriformes - **Family:** Anatidae - **Genus:** Melanitta ## Interesting facts - Ducklings are super independent, leaving the nest almost immediately after hatching. - Their scientific name \*perspicillata\* means 'spectacled', referring to eye markings! - They form huge flocks, called rafts, of thousands on the ocean during winter! - They nest surprisingly far inland, in the boreal forests near freshwater ponds. ## Special abilities - **Underwater Explorer:** Surf Scoters can dive over 60 feet deep because of their dense bones and powerful legs that propel them, finding food on the ocean floor. - **Shell Crusher:** Surf Scoters have a strong, specially adapted bill that helps them crush the hard shells of clams and mussels, making them easy to eat. - **Saltwater Sipper:** Surf Scoters have special glands near their eyes that help them drink saltwater, removing the extra salt from their bodies. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 45-56 cm - **Wingspan:** 76-85 cm - **Weight:** 0.85-1.2 kg - **Lifespan:** 9-20 years - **Speed:** 80 km/h - **Clutch Size:** 5-9 - **Incubation:** 28-32 days - **Migration Distance:** 4000 km ## Diet & Feeding These sea ducks mostly dive to the bottom of the ocean to gobble up tasty clams and mussels! - **Age differences:** Young ducklings eat more insect larvae and small crustaceans, changing to shellfish as they grow. - **Primary Foods:** Mussels, Clams, Marine worms, Small crustaceans, Small fish - **Foraging Method:** Pursuit ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** Common Mussel (*Mytilus edulis*) — A key food source in coastal habitats. - **Eaten by:** Soft-shell Clam (*Mya arenaria*) — Dug from the seafloor, providing essential energy. - **Eats:** [Bald Eagle](https://www.snappit.app/explore/bald-eagle) (*Haliaeetus leucocephalus*) — Preys on vulnerable adults or juveniles. - **Eats:** [Red Fox](https://www.snappit.app/explore/red-fox) (*Vulpes vulpes*) — Often targets nests, eggs, and flightless ducklings. ## Traits - [Feathered](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/feathered): Feathered describes animals, primarily birds, possessing a covering of feathers. - [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring. - [Aerial](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/aerial): Aerial creatures spend a significant portion of their lives airborne, utilizing flight for various activities such as hunting, migration, or nesting. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Filter Feeder](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/filter-feeder): Filter feeders obtain nutrients by straining suspended food particles and small organisms from water. - [Coastal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/coastal): Coastal habitats are dynamic environments located along the interface between land and sea, influenced by tides, waves, and saltwater. - [Carnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/carnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue. - [Speedster](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/speedster): This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel. - [Marine](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/marine): Marine habitats encompass all saltwater environments of the Earth's oceans, supporting an immense diversity of aquatic life. - [Migratory](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/migratory): Migratory animals undertake seasonal movements from one region to another, typically in response to changes in climate or food availability. ## Collections - [Birds](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/birds) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Always watch birds from a distance and do not try to touch them. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Surf Scoter? Compare the silhouette, bill shape, tail length, wing bars and markings around the eyes. The same small brown bird at your feeder can look quite different in breeding plumage, winter plumage or its first year. Bird Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Surf Scoter? 45-56 cm ### What is Surf Scoter's wingspan? 76-85 cm ### How much does Surf Scoter weigh? 0.85-1.2 kg ### How long does Surf Scoter live? 9-20 years ### How fast can Surf Scoter move? 80 km/h ### What does Surf Scoter eat? These sea ducks mostly dive to the bottom of the ocean to gobble up tasty clams and mussels! ### Where is Surf Scoter usually found? Coastal areas ## Where to spot - [Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/bolsa-chica-ecological-reserve) — California, US · Nature Reserve - [Chicken Ridge Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/chicken-ridge-historic-district) — US · Historic District - [Pike Place Market](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/pike-place-market) — Washington, US · Historic District - [Illahee State Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/illahee-state-park) — Washington, US · State Park - [Chinatown-International District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/chinatown-international-district) — Washington, US · Historic District - [Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/guadalupe-nipomo-dunes) — California, US · Natural Landmark [View all places to see Surf Scoter](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/surf-scoter) ## More Birds - [Black-crowned Night Heron](https://www.snappit.app/explore/black-crowned-night-heron) (*Nycticorax nycticorax*) - [Anna's Hummingbird](https://www.snappit.app/explore/annas-hummingbird) (*Calypte anna*) - [Great Egret](https://www.snappit.app/explore/great-egret) (*Ardea alba*) - [Blue Jay](https://www.snappit.app/explore/blue-jay) (*Cyanocitta cristata*) --- Source: [Surf Scoter: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/surf-scoter)