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. The legs and feet are reddish-orange with dusky webs, and the iris is white. The female surf scoter is fairly uniformly colored dark to black-brown with occasional whitish feathers. There are two whitish patches on the cheeks below the eyes. The bill is greenish-black or bluish-black. The legs and feet are dull orange and the iris is pale or brown. Female plumages of all scoter species are similar. The surf scoter hen can be differentiated from the black scoter by the more sloping forehead and white face patches.
Please Join Us in Thanking Our Generous Sponsors by Patronizing Their Businesses Whenever Possible. It is because of their support that we are able to provide everything we do & make our mission successful.
Please Join Us in Thanking Our Generous Sponsors by Patronizing Their Businesses Whenever Possible. It is because of their support that we are able to provide everything we do & make our mission successful.
