Surf Scoter

About This Species

A sea duck with striking head patterns. Males have colorful bills and bold white patches on the head. Often seen in coastal waters diving for mollusks.

Fun Facts

• Colorful bill: Males have multicolored bills with orange, white, yellow, and black patterns.
• Mollusk specialist: They dive deep to eat mussels, clams, and other shellfish, swallowing them whole and crushing them in their gizzards.
• Mysterious nesting: Nests were among the last North American bird nests to be discovered by scientists.
• Winter flocks: Gather in large rafts on coastal waters during winter months.