| Surf Scoter | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Anseriformes |
| Family: | Anatidae |
| Genus: | Melanitta |
| Species: | Melanitta perspicillata |
The Surf Scoter (Melanitta perspicillata) is a large duck frequently found on the Pacific Coast around fishing piers and harbors.
Description[]
This remarkable sexually dimorphic duck is the smallest scoter on average, with, by average measurements, males being 1,050 g (2.31 lb) and 48 cm (19 in) in length and females being 900 g (2.0 lb) and 44 cm (17 in) in length. Males are adequately distinctive, with a mostly velvety black plumage, characteristic of most scoters, and the nape and forehead being white.
Behavior[]
Feeding and Diet[]
It forages by diving and swimming underwater, propelled mainly by the feet, with the wings usually half-opened.
Mollusks are primarily eaten. In addition to mollusks, the bird also feeds on crustaceans, aquatic insects, small fishes, echinoderms, marine worms. It also eats some plant material, mainly pondweeds and sedges. Young birds eat mostly aquatic insects at first, also along with mollusks and some plant material, including sedges, pondweeds, and crowberries.
Nesting and Breeding[]
Pairs are formed on winter range. Several males may surround one female in courtship. Displays of male include swimming back and forth rapidly with neck stretched upward, exaggerated bowing, short display flights; males may pursue female underwater. The nest site is often some distance away from water, on ground, well hidden under low tree branches or in dense grass clump. The nest (built by the female) is a shallow depression lined with down.
5-9 pale buff eggs, usually about 7 eggs are laid. Incubation is by female only, but the incubation period is not known. Young birds generally leave the nest and go to water shortly after hatching. They are tended by the female, but feed by themselves. The age of young birds at first flight is not well known.
Distribution and Habitat[]
Conservation[]
The Surf Scoter's numbers greatly dipped in the early 20th century, but is now only Least concern on the IUCN.