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.

Click on any photo to open that photo full size in a new window.

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