A Male Surf Scoter

Just up from a successful dive this scoter has his favourite meal in his beak… a mussel.

comments (6)

Christine Young

Lion

Wow, that's a spectacular-looking duck! Posted 3 years ago
1. gary fast
  
  Lion
  
  Yes, that beak, how did that ever evolve? Have to admit it is rather eye catching. Posted 3 years ago
2. 1. Christine Young
    
    Lion
    
    It's pretty awesome and I wonder at the purpose of such a fancy bill...perhaps it;s important for sexual selection. I read that some of this ducks other common names include: Goggle-nose, Horse-head Coot, Plaster-bill, Snuff-taker, Blossom-billed Coot, Bottle-nosed Diver, Mussel Bill, and Skunk-headed Coot! Posted 3 years ago
  2. 1. gary fast
      
      Lion
      
      Yes, when discussing this birds bill with another bird watcher he mentioned something about natural selection and Darwin. Quite the list of common names! Skunk head… that one I’ve heard of. Posted 3 years ago
    2. 1. Christine Young
        
        Lion
        
        My favorite is 'Blossom-billed Coot'. Posted 3 years ago, modified 3 years ago
      2. gary fast
        
        Lion
        
        Yes, that’s quite the “blossom”! Posted 3 years ago

The Surf scoter

The surf scoter is a large sea duck, which breeds in Canada and Alaska. It is placed in the subgenus "Melanitta", along with the velvet and white-winged scoters, distinct from the subgenus "Oidemia", black and common scoters.

Info 12 0

Similar species: Ducks, Geese, Etc.

Species identified by gary fast