Surf Scoter

Mellanitta perspicillata

Scótar toinne

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

Conservation Concern: Green-listed in Ireland. The European population is considered to be Secure.

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.

Similar Species: Common Scoter, Velvet Scoter

Call: 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. 

Where to see: There are no regular sites to see Surf Scoters in Ireland and any wintering flock of Common Scoter may potentially hold one or two individuals.

Monitored by: Irish Wetland Bird Survey and BirdTrack.