Melanitta perspicillata ORDER: ANSERIFORMES FAMILY: ANATIDAE
IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern
© Brian L. Sullivan
A black-and-white seaduck common on the Pacific and Atlantic coasts in winter, the Surf Scoter has a boldly patterned head that is the basis for its colloquial name "skunk-headed coot."
Usually silent. Wings make humming noise in flight. Male makes low, clear whistle. Female makes croaking "krraak."