Scientific Name:
Melanitta perspicillata
Description
Surf scoters are black sea ducks, magnificent ocean surfers, with a large sloping bill in the males plus a white patch on the forehead and neck. Females are brown, with a fainter white patch behind the bill and another behind the eye.
Behaviors
Surf scoters are seen in the shallow waters, foraging for small mollusks, especially mussels and clams, as well as marine snails, small crabs, sea squirts, hydrozoans (related to jellyfish), various marine worms. It is fun to watch them dive under waves thus avoiding getting pelted by the surf. We see them at Point Lobos mostly form October to April, after which they move north to breed.
Fun Facts
Sometimes nicknamed "old skunkhead" due to the bold white markings on the male's head.
Nature Topics
