How deep do surf scoters dive?

What does a surf scooter Bird look like?

Male surf scoters are entirely black with a white patch on the forehead and a larger white triangle on the nape. They have large bills, which are swollen on the top and truncated on the sides, with black feathers extending to near the nostrils. The bill is multicolored white, red, yellow and black, appearing mostly orange from a distance.

What is the scientific name for a surf scoter?

The surf scoter is now one of six species placed in the genus Melanitta that was introduced by the German zoologist Friedrich Boie in 1822. The genus name Melanitta combines the Ancient Greek melas meaning “black” and netta meaning “duck”.

How can you tell a male from a female surf scoter?

The surf scoter is easily distinguishable from other scoters by the white patch on the head of the adult male and its unique bill pattern. Females and immatures have a bulkier bill with a squarish base and a more flattened head profile than other scoters.

What does a duck look like from the outside?

Small duck with large head and short bill. Large white patch on head, dark back, and white chest and flanks are visible from long distances. Purple-green iridescence on head can be hard to see.

What parasites are found in surf scoters?

The only parasite found in dead surf scoters was the Acanthocephalan Polymorphus spp., which causes peritonitis, an inflammation of the abdomen’s lining, and possibly emaciation. Out of 39 studied individuals, seven were fatally affected by this worm.

How synchronous are surf scoter flocks?

Flocks of surf scoter appear to dive in a highly synchronous fashion and this synchrony is correlated with the group size. Dive duration vary with many factors such as prey type, density and profitability, season and water depth.

What is The wingspan of a surf scoter?

The surf scoter has a wingspan of 29.9-30.3 in (76-77 cm). The male is completely velvety black except for white patches on the forehead and the nape.

How can you tell if a Scot is male or female?

Common Scoters in juvenile and female type plumages often show a dark smudgy curve extending vertically below the eye. This feature tends to be much less prominent on juvenile and female-type Black Scoters.

How to tell a surf scoter from a white-winged scoter?

I used to focus on the pattern of the white spots on the face. After all, Sibley has arrows pointing out that the front spot on White-winged Scoter face is more oval, while for Surf Scoter is is vertical. In reality, I would cheat and hope that some white wing feathers were peeking out to make the decision easy.

What is the difference between a duck and a hen?

Ducks are a type of waterfowl found throughout the United States. These birds typically have short necks and stout bodies. Male ducks, called drakes, are usually identified by their brightly colored feathers, which they use to attract mates. Hens, or females, tend to be duller in appearance, which camouflages them from potential predators.

What do ducks look like?

These birds typically have short necks and stout bodies. Male ducks, called drakes, are usually identified by their brightly colored feathers, which they use to attract mates. Hens, or females, tend to be duller in appearance, which camouflages them from potential predators. Ducks have webbed feet and waterproof feathers designed to help them swim.

What are the parts of a duck?

Parts of a Duck. Bill: A duck’s bill has a flattened, spatulate shape to help them filter food out of the water. Check the color and markings of the bill and the extent of the flattening, as well as the width and length when compared to head size. Nail: Ducks have a slightly thicker tip on the bill, called the nail.

How do you know if a duck is good?

On ducks, look for a solid color, iridescent sheen, or any mottling or striations. Also, check the shape of the crown, whether it is flatter or more peaked, and note how steeply the crown slopes down to the bird’s bill.

Where do surf scoters breed?

Compared to most Northern American sea ducks, the surf scoter breeds exclusively in North America, mostly in Northern Canada and Alaska. Then, they take different migration routes to spend the winter in more temperate environments.

When does a surf scoter become flightless?

Like all sea ducks, the surf scoter becomes flightless during the simultaneous molt of its flight feathers. This vulnerable period happens usually in late July through early August and lasts for about four weeks.

How do surf scoters migrate?

Surf Scoters rest on the water’s surface and dive for their prey. Flocks of thousands can be seen in migration along ocean coasts. They begin courtship displays soon after settling in on their wintering grounds, especially on calm days. This opens in a new window.

How do surf scoters dive?

Flocks of surf scoter appear to dive in a highly synchronous fashion and this synchrony is correlated with the group size. Dive duration vary with many factors such as prey type, density and profitability, season and water depth.

What parasites kill surf scoters?

In a necrotic study on sea ducks, parasitic diseases were an important cause of mortality. The only parasite found in dead surf scoters was the Acanthocephalan Polymorphus spp., which causes peritonitis, an inflammation of the abdomen’s lining, and possibly emaciation. Out of 39 studied individuals, seven were fatally affected by this worm.

Where do surf scoters lay their eggs?

Female surf scoters prefer to nest in brushy tundra or wooded areas near a pond, bog or stream and lay an average of 5-8 eggs. Average length: M 19.7″, F 18.5″

What do surf scoters look like?

Adult males are jet black with orange, white, and black bill and white patches at the nape, forecrown, and base of the bill. Females are dark brown with dark gray bills and usually show two patches of white on the face. Surf Scoters rest on the water’s surface and dive for their prey. Flocks of thousands can be seen in migration along ocean coasts.

What are the best bird-watching binoculars for surf scoters?

The most common types of bird-watching binoculars for viewing Surf Scoters are 8×21 binoculars and 10×42 binoculars. Bird Watching Academy & Camp sells really nice 8×21 binoculars and 10×42 binoculars. You can view and purchase them here. If you love the Surf Scoter you should purchase a Bird Watching Academy & Camp T-shirt.

How can you tell a male surf scooter from a female?

Male Surf Scoters are unmistakable whether they are facing you or facing away, with their multicolored bill and large white rectangular patch on the back of the neck. Here’s a male White-winged Scoter, with the distinctive white ‘comma’ near its eye.

What do chickens have in common?

What each chicken seems to have in common, however, is their curious nature and innate need to operate in a hierarchy or pecking order. Chickens enjoy socializing with their flockmates and learn through imitation and observing the practices of other chickens. Just as with chickens, ducks possess their own individual temperaments.