The surf scoter is a large sea duck native to North America. Adult males are almost 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 winter 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.
Region
North America
Typical Environment
Breeds on freshwater lakes and ponds across boreal and subarctic Canada and Alaska. Winters along the Pacific and Atlantic coasts of North America, favoring nearshore marine waters, estuaries, and bays. Often concentrates over rocky substrates and mussel beds where diving yields abundant benthic prey. During migration, it uses large inland lakes and major waterways as stopover sites.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Surf scoters are robust sea ducks that form large rafts just offshore during winter, often near mussel beds. Their thick, swollen bill helps crush hard-shelled prey like mussels and clams. They are sensitive to coastal pollution and oil spills, which can impact their foraging grounds and plumage insulation.
With crab
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
strong flier with rapid, direct wingbeats
Social Behavior
Highly gregarious outside the breeding season, forming large coastal flocks. Breeding pairs nest near freshwater lakes and ponds, with the female selecting a concealed ground nest. Broods are led to water soon after hatching, and females provide most parental care.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Generally quiet, but males give soft, whistling notes and low coos during courtship. Flock interactions include brief grunts and whistles, especially on staging and wintering areas.
Plumage
Males are glossy black with clean white patches on the forehead and nape; females are dark brown with paler cheeks and diffuse facial patches.
Diet
Primarily consumes benthic invertebrates such as mussels, clams, and crustaceans, which it obtains by diving. In breeding areas it takes aquatic insects, larvae, and occasionally fish eggs. Ducklings feed heavily on aquatic invertebrates and insect larvae. The robust bill and strong tongue help pry and crush shellfish.
Preferred Environment
Forages by diving in shallow coastal waters, over rocky reefs, kelp beds, and estuaries. On breeding lakes it dives over vegetated margins and open water to pick insect larvae and other invertebrates.
