Surf scoter
Melanitta perspicillata
Identification Tips:
- Medium-sized diving duck
- Sloping forehead
- Base of bill unfeathered
Adult male:
- Entirely black plumage
- White patches on nape and forehead
- Colorful bill: white with a red tip and black spot at base
- Immature male similar to female
Adult female:
- Two variably white spots on face
- Dark crown
- Very dark plumage
- Immature females somewhat paler
Similar species:
The adult male Surf Scoter with its black plumage and white patches on
the nape and forehead is distinctive. Female plumages of the Surf Scoter are
similar to female plumages of the other scoters. It can be told from the
Black Scoter by it more sloping forehead, and white face patches. The
White-winged Scoter has white wing patches, a face that doesn't contrast with
the crown, and a smaller bill.