Surf Scoter

Overview

The Surf Scoter is a heavy-bodied sea duck that breeds on northern lakes and ponds and winters along ocean coastlines, often riding directly in the surf zone that gives the species its name. Breeding males are almost entirely black except for two bold white patches - one on the forehead and one on the nape - creating a striking contrast against the dark body and an oddly shaped, multicolored bill. Females are brownish overall with two paler patches on the face, offering a more subdued but still recognizable pattern.

Feather Identification

• Head patches: Males show a distinct white patch on the forehead and another on the nape, separated by black feathering on the crown - a pattern unique among the scoters.
• Body color: Overall plumage is uniformly black in males, without the white wing patch found in White-winged Scoter.
• Female facial patches: Females show two pale, somewhat diffuse patches on an otherwise brown face - one near the base of the bill and one behind the eye - distinguishing them from the single-patch pattern of some related species.
• Wing pattern: Wings are entirely dark, lacking the white speculum present in White-winged Scoter, an important distinguishing feature in flight.
• Overall shape: A large, wedge-shaped head and heavy bill complement the bold black-and-white head pattern.

Plumage Notes

Breeding males are black overall with bold white patches on the forehead and nape. Females and immatures are brownish with two pale facial patches and lack the male's crisp head markings. Eclipse males remain largely black but may show slightly duller head patches. The species undergoes a complete post-breeding molt with a flightless period. Juveniles resemble females, and young males gradually develop the full black-and-white head pattern.

Habitat & Range

Surf Scoters breed on lakes and ponds across the boreal forest and tundra-edge regions of North America, nesting on the ground near water. In winter, they move to coastal ocean waters, often gathering in large numbers just offshore or within the surf zone along both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. The species is strongly migratory, moving from inland northern breeding waters to coastal wintering grounds.

Behavior & Field Notes

Surf Scoters dive to forage on aquatic invertebrates along the seafloor, often in areas with active wave action close to shore. They are highly gregarious in winter, forming large rafts that can include mixed flocks with other scoter species. Nesting occurs on the ground near freshwater, well concealed in vegetation. The species is relatively quiet, with occasional low croaking or grunting notes, and flight is strong and direct, typically in loose lines low over the water.