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Surf Scoter

Scientific Name: Melanitta perspicillata Family: Anatidae Order: Anseriformes
Size: 20 inches Range: Alaska and Canada in summer. Both U.S. coasts in winter. Habitat: Oceans near coasts in winter.

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Photo 1 of 12.   Location: Avila Beach.   Date: 2008-12-25


Photo 2 of 12.   Location: Avila Beach.   Date: 2008-12-25


Photo 3 of 12.   Location: Stanley Park.   Date: 2013-01-03

Seen in Stanley Park.


Photo 4 of 12.   Location: Avila Beach.   Date: 2008-12-27


Photo 5 of 12.   Location: Don Edwards.   Date: 2008-01-27


Photo 6 of 12.   Location: Avila Beach.   Date: 2008-12-24


Photo 7 of 12.   Location: Dungeness Spit.   Date: 2005-12-29


Photo 8 of 12.   Location: Morro Bay.   Date: 2013-01-18

Females don't have the wild coloration.


Photo 9 of 12.   Location: Ocean - Morro Bay.   Date: 2005-01-14

Three females


Photo 10 of 12.   Location: Ocean - Morro Bay.   Date: 2005-01-14


Photo 11 of 12.   Location: Avila Beach.   Date: 2008-12-25

The white patch on the back of the head is distinctive.


Photo 12 of 12.   Location: Avila Beach.   Date: 2008-12-24