Surf Scoter

Melanitta perspicillata

HOW TO IDENTIFY:

* Length: 14 inches Wingspan: 33 inches
* 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.