Surf Scoter

Irish Name: Scótar toinne
Scientific name: Mellanitta perspicillata
Bird Family: Ducks
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Conservation status

Status

A rare winter visitor to all Irish coasts from October to March within flocks of Common Scoter.

Identification

Very similar to Common Scoter and care is needed to distinguish the two species.Slightly larger than Common Scoter and has a similarly all dark body. Adult males can be distinguished by their gaudy bill pattern, as well as small white patches on the forehead and neck. Adult female Surf Scoters have an all dark bill and has a much reduced white patch on the neck. Juveniles are very similar to adult females.

Voice

Generally silent when seen in Ireland.

Diet

Feeds mainly on mussels, clams and crustaceans caught after diving in shallow waters.

Breeding

Does not breed in Ireland. The breeding grounds lie in Arctic Canada and Alaska.

Wintering

The main wintering grounds are the Pacific and Atlantic coasts of the United States and Canada. A few birds may cross the Atlantic and can then potentially be seen with Common Scoters off all Irish coasts.

Similar Species

Common Scoter

Irish Name:
Scótar
Scientific name:
Melanitta nigra
Bird Family:
Ducks

Velvet Scoter

Irish Name:
Sceadach
Scientific name:
Mellanitta fusca
Bird Family:
Ducks