Browse the database

• Cladogram
• Scientific Name
• Common Name
• Skeletal Element
• Temporal Interval
• Geographical Location
• Specimen Number

Aves - Neognathae - Anseriformes - Anatidae - Melanitta - Melanitta perspicillata

Sternum (Breast Bone) of a Melanitta perspicillata (Surf Scoter)

Rotate: left click on mouse
Zoom: right click on mouse (PC) or command and click (Mac)
Move: left and right click simultaneously (PC) or shift and click (Mac)

Species Description
The Surf Scoter is a large sea duck, breeding on shallow lakes in the boreal forests of Canada and Alaska and wintering in shallow marine coastal waters along the northern United States. The male Surf Scoter is distinguished by its bulbous red, yellow and white bill, black body and white head patches; its patterned head gives the Surf Scoter its nickname, the “Skunk-Headed Coot”. Surf Scoters eat crustaceans and mollusks, which they catch by diving, sometimes as far as the sea/lake bottom. Surf Scoter ducklngs eat a variety of freshwater invertebrates that they must catch themselves, as parental care is limited to protection; because of this, accidental exchanges of young may occur in Surf Scoter flocks.
Skeletal Elements Available

Sternum (Breast Bone)

External Links
Animal Diversity Web Encyclopedia of Life Wikipedia