Surf Scoter
Melanitta perspicillata (Linnaeus, 1758)
FS
SURSC
2140
Family: Anseriformes > Anatidae
This distinctive seaduck, which breeds in the far north of North America and winters south to Florida and California, is a scarce visitor to Britain & Ireland.
Records from Britain & Ireland mostly fall between October and March, although records off the Aberdeen coast tend to be a little earlier.
Intermediate in size between Common and Velvet Scoters and with a large bill that gives this species a heavy-headed appearance.
Select a topic for more facts and statistics about the Surf Scoter
BTO RECORDS
Identification
Surf Scoter identification is often straightforward. The following article may help when identifying Surf Scoter.
Identifying Scoters
Scoters are known to most of us as winter visitors, usually far off shore. How can we tell the difference between the species, when we see them far out to sea in poor viewing conditions? It's surprisingly easy!
Develop your bird ID skills with our training courses
Our interactive online courses are a great way to develop your bird identification skills, whether you're new to the hobby or a competent birder looking to hone your abilities.
Browse training coursesStatus and Trends
Population size and trends and patterns of distribution based on BTO surveys and atlases with data collected by BTO volunteers.
CONSERVATION STATUS
This species can be found on the following statutory and conservation listings and schedules.
| IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (global) |
Least Concern 
|
| Schedule 1 license required (to disturb) | No |
| Birds Directive Annex 1 | No |
POPULATION SIZE
We have no population estimates for this scarce species.
| BOU Category | A |
|
First Record
|
Firth of Forth, c. 1837 |
DISTRIBUTION
Surf Scoters are scarce vagrants, with records from many coastal regions.
-
Britain and Ireland Breeding Distribution 2008-2011.
More from the Atlas Mapstore. -
Britain and Ireland Winter Distribution 2008-2011.
More from the Atlas Mapstore.
Occupied 10-km squares in UK
| No. occupied in winter | 35 |
| % occupied in winter | 1.2 |
DISTRIBUTION CHANGE
This vagrant has been recorded in several atlases so we have been able to map distribution changes. However, as a rarity these may not show a consistent pattern of change.
More from the Atlas Mapstore.
| % change in range in winter (1981–84 to 2007–11) | +150% |
SEASONALITY
Surf Scoter is a scarce vagrant, recorded throughout the year.
Movement
Information about movement and migration based on online bird portals (e.g. BirdTrack), Ringing schemes and tracking studies.
RINGING RECOVERIES
View a summary of recoveries in the Online Ringing Report.
Biology
Lifecycle and body size information about Surf Scoter, including statistics on nesting, eggs and lifespan based on BTO ringing and nest recording data.
PRODUCTIVITY & NESTING
Sample sizes are too small to report Productivity and Nesting statistics for this species.
CODES & CLASSIFICATION
|
Field Codes
|
2-letter: FS | 5-letter code: SURSC | Euring: 2140 |
For information in another language (where available) click on a linked name
Links to more studies from ConservationEvidence.com
- An artificial nest site for arctic nesting common eiders
- Effects of grazing and inundation on pasture quality and seed production in a salt marsh
- Black terns benefit from cattail management in the northern Great Plains
Read more studies about Surf Scoter on Conservation Evidence >
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