Black, or Surf Duck

Plate 317
Featured in this Plate
Surf Scoter
Melanitta perspicillata
LCIUCN Status
Guide
This duck is common in winter on both coasts; on Pacific Coast, often seen around fishing piers and harbors. The male's strong head pattern earns the species the hunters' nickname of 'skunk-head coot.' When feeding, they usually spring forward and dive with the wings partly opened. Silent at most times of year.
Download this Plate
Plate 317 is available for high-resolution download.
Free Download
Black-bellied Darter
Plate 316
American Avocet
Plate 318