Wildlife Around Las Vegas, Birds, Surf Scoter (Melanitta perspicillata)

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Surf Scoter (Melanitta perspicillata)
Birds Around Las Vegas, Wildlife Around Las Vegas

Surf Scoter male

General Description: Surf Scoters (Melanitta perspicillata) are sexually dimorphic sea ducks. Males are black with white patches on the forehead and back of the neck, and the large bill is orange with white and black and red spots. Females are brown with two white spots on the side of the face. Neither has any white in the wings.

Taxonomy: Anseriformes, Anatidae, Anatinae

Favored Habitat: Rocky coastal shorelines where they can dive for clams, snails, and other food items on the bottom.

Surf Scoter female

Where to Find: Don't look for Surf Scoters around Las Vegas. Rather, look for them in the arctic during the breeding season or on both coasts of North America during winter.

Comments:

If you were a tasty clam or a little aquatic bug, this might be the last face you ever see!


Notice the wild colors and patterns on the face and bill	Male Surf Scoter with white patch on the back of the neck
Male Surf Scoter	Male Surf Scoter
Male Surf Scoter in flight	Female Surf Scoter

Surf Scoters resting in typical coastal habitat	Surf Scoters rafting on a quiet ocean

Note: All distances, elevations, and other facts are approximate.
; Last updated 240102

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