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Surf Scoter

ID Info
Surf Scoter by Kurt Hasselman
Silhouette DucksDucks

Surf Scoter

Melanitta perspicillata
  • ORDER: Anseriformes
  • FAMILY: Anatidae
Basic Description

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."

More ID Info
image of range map for Surf ScoterRange map provided by Birds of North AmericaExplore Maps
Other Names
  • Negrón Careto (Spanish)
  • Macreuse à front blanc (French)
  • Cool Facts

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Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl(Order: Anseriformes, Family:Anatidae)

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Wood DuckWood Duck
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American WigeonAmerican Wigeon
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MallardMallard
American Black DuckAmerican Black Duck
Mottled DuckMottled Duck
CanvasbackCanvasback
RedheadRedhead
Ring-necked DuckRing-necked Duck
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Lesser ScaupLesser Scaup
Steller's EiderSteller's Eider
King EiderKing Eider
Green-winged TealGreen-winged Teal
Common EiderCommon Eider
Harlequin DuckHarlequin Duck
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Black ScoterBlack Scoter
Long-tailed DuckLong-tailed Duck
BuffleheadBufflehead
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Barrow's GoldeneyeBarrow's Goldeneye
Hooded MerganserHooded Merganser
Common MerganserCommon Merganser
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White-winged ScoterWhite-winged Scoter
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