Surf scoter
Scientific name: Melanitta perspicillata
- How weight is recorded: Whole weight
Field notes
Appearance
Males are entirely black with distinctive white patches on the nape and forehead, plus a swollen orange-yellow bill. Females are dark brown with two whitish ear patches and a smaller, darker bill.
Size and weight
Males 48–56 cm, weighing 0.9–1.1 kg; females 43–52 cm, weighing 0.8–0.95 kg.
Habitat
Surf scoters inhabit coastal marine waters, estuaries, and large freshwater lakes. They prefer areas with rocky or sandy substrates and moderate wave action.
Distribution
Breed in northern North America from Alaska to Hudson Bay; winter along both coasts of North America and the Great Lakes, with highest concentrations in maritime habitats.
Diet
Surf scoters feed primarily on benthic invertebrates—mussels, clams, snails, and amphipods—obtained by diving in shallow to moderate depths.
Behaviour
Highly gregarious, forming large rafts on water; active during daylight hours diving to forage. They are strong, fast fliers but take off with difficulty from water and prefer to escape by diving or swimming.
Hunting tips
Glass rafts from a distance using binoculars to identify males by white patches; approach by water from downwind where possible, moving slowly with cover. Early morning or late afternoon light best reveals their plumage. Most responsive when rafts are active and dispersed rather than tightly grouped.
Whole weight
This species is logged by whole weight — the animal weighed entire, as taken.
Where it is hunted
Listed as huntable in 1 country in Huntify.
Names in other languages
- noBrilleand
- svVitnackad svärta
- daBrilleand
- fiPilkkaniska
- deBrillenente
- frMacreuse à front blanc
- esNegrón careto
Current language: en
These field notes are general species knowledge, not legal advice. Always check the current seasons, quotas and firearm rules where you hunt.