Surf Scoter

Surf Scoter (Melanitta perspicillata) is in the Ducks, Geese, and Swans family (Anatidae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 23,652 research-grade observations of it in our sample, peaking in January.

Seasonal pattern in the national data: seasonal. Counts also reflect when people are out photographing, so compare months within a state rather than across states.

When to photograph Surf Scoter: observations by month (U.S.)

About Surf Scoter

The surf scoter (Melanitta perspicillata) is a large sea duck native to North America. Adult males are entirely black with characteristic white patches on the forehead and the nape and adult females are slightly smaller and browner. Surf scoters breed in Northern Canada and Alaska and winters along the Pacific and Atlantic coasts of North America. Those diving ducks mainly feed on benthic invertebrates, mussels representing an important part of their diet.From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.

Surf Scoter by state

Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.

Related birds (Ducks, Geese, and Swans)

MallardAnas platyrhynchos

Canada GooseBranta canadensis

Wood DuckAix sponsa

Northern ShovelerSpatula clypeata

BuffleheadBucephala albeola

American WigeonMareca americana

Hooded MerganserLophodytes cucullatus

Ring-necked DuckAythya collaris

Photography tips

• Use a fast shutter (1/2000 s or faster) for birds in flight.
• Focus on the eye and shoot at the bird's eye level.
• Approach slowly and stop if the bird changes behavior; never bait or flush birds.
• Morning activity peaks in the first two hours after sunrise.

FAQ