The Surf Scoter thrives in a remarkably dynamic habitat—right in the heart of the ocean’s tumultuous impact zone. These hardy sea ducks have a unique affinity for the areas where waves break most forcefully. Despite the apparent danger, this preference is strategic.
Additionally the violent crashing of the waves dislodges and exposes the small clams and crabs that form the bulk of their diet. Masterfully adapted to their rough aquatic playground, Surf Scoters manage to avoid harm from the powerful breakers.
As a towering wave prepares to crash, these birds skillfully dive, navigating beneath the wave’s crest and emerging unscathed on the other side. This not only shows their adeptness in the water but also highlights their ability to exploit the ocean’s energy for survival.
Taxonomy and Species Background
The Surf Scoter is a sea duck well recognized for its distinctive qualities and taxonomy. They are high up on our list of common beach birds! While it is primarily known for its dark plumage, it also has unique features that intrigue ornithologists and bird watchers alike.
Scientific Classification of Surf Scoters
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Melanitta |
| Species | M.perspicillata |
1. Masters of the Surf
Surf Scoters are adept at handling the rough waters of the ocean’s impact zone where waves break fiercely.
- They dive under waves just before they break to avoid being hit.
- This behavior helps them access food stirred up by the wave action.
- Unlike many other waterfowl, they spend much of their time in these turbulent areas.
2. The Males Have a Multicolored Bill Color
Male Surf Scoters have distinctly colored bills that stand out against their dark plumage. This is why the Scoter are on our list of black birds with yellow beaks!
- Males have a multi-colored bill with orange, red, and yellow hues.
- This bright bill helps identify them easily, especially during the breeding season.
- Females and young birds have duller, dark-colored bill.
3. Long-Distance Migrants
Surf Scoters migrate thousands of miles between their breeding and wintering grounds.
- They breed in the boreal forests and tundra of northern Canada and Alaska.
- Winter finds them along the coasts of North America, from Alaska to Baja California in the Pacific, and from Newfoundland to Florida in the Atlantic.
- Their migration is a semi-annual feat of endurance and navigation.
4. Social Birds That Hang Out With Other Species of Scoters
Outside of the breeding season, Surf Scoters are highly social and form large flocks.
- These flocks can sometimes include thousands of birds.
- They often mix with other species of scoters during migration and winter.
- Social behavior helps protect them from predators and aids in finding food.
5. Foodies Who Prefer Mollusks, Crustaceans, and Small Fish
Surf Scoters have a specialized diet primarily composed of aquatic invertebrates.
- They feed mostly on mollusks, crustaceans, and small fish.
- Their feeding habits are adapted to foraging in deep water.
- The birds use their strong bills to pry prey from rocks or dig into the seabed.
6. Excellent Divers
Surf Scoters are exceptional divers, able to reach considerable depths to find food.
- They can dive up to 30 feet deep to forage.
- Their dives typically last about 20-30 seconds.
- They are adapted to withstand the pressure of deep water.
7. Important Indicator Species
Surf Scoters serve as indicator species, helping scientists understand the health of marine environments.
- Changes in their population can indicate changes in the health of the marine ecosystem.
- They are particularly sensitive to oil spills and pollution.
- Monitoring their numbers helps track the impact of environmental changes.
8. Limited Vocalizations
“Group of 8 males and 2 females; other groups nearby. Habitat: rocky coastline, mud flats”
Unlike many bird species, Surf Scoters are relatively quiet and do not have a wide range of vocalizations.
- They are mostly silent, especially outside of the breeding season.
- During breeding, males make a soft, whistling sound to attract females.
- Their quiet nature helps them evade predators and remain unnoticed.
9. Nesting Habits
Surf Scoters have unique nesting habits compared to other duck species.
- They nest on the ground near water bodies in the boreal forests.
- Their nests are well-hidden among vegetation to protect from predators.
- Females lay between 5-9 eggs per season, which they incubate alone.
10. Bowl Shaped Nest
Surf Scoters create simple, bowl-shaped nests for laying their eggs. These bowl-shaped nests are lined with mosses, grasses, feathers, needles, twigs, and bark from spruce and fir.
- These nests are typically built on the ground, hidden among thick vegetation.
- The “bowl” is made by the female scoter scraping the ground and lining it with moss, grass, and feathers.
- This design helps keep the eggs and chicks safe and warm during the breeding season.
11. Winter Plumage Changes
Surf Scoters undergo a noticeable change in plumage during the winter.
- Males transition from a brighter breeding plumage to a more subdued winter coloration.
- This change helps them blend into the winter coastal environments better.
- Females and juveniles also have subtle plumage changes that aid in camouflage during winter months.
12. Surf Scoters are “Molt Migrants”
A ‘molt migrant’ is a bird that goes to a safe place after having babies, but before moving on to travel far away, to shed and grow back its flying feathers.
- After nesting season, Surf Scoters travel to specific, sheltered areas where they can safely shed and regrow their feathers.
- This molting process is important because it replaces old and worn feathers with new ones, which are crucial for efficient flying during migration.
- One common molting location for Surf Scoters is the sheltered coastal waters of the Aleutian Islands in Alaska, where they gather in large numbers before their fall migration.