surf scoter

American  

noun

Ornithology.

1. a large, North American scoter, Melanitta perspicillata, the adult male of which is black with two white patches on the head.

---

surf scoter British  

noun

1. a North American scoter, Melanitta perspicillata, having white patches on the head

---

Etymology

Origin of surf scoter

First recorded in 1825–35

Example Sentences

“I think it’s a surf scoter,” she told Kveven.

From Seattle Times

Steve Heinl, a biologist with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, said the Bonaparte’s gull and surf scoter love to fly up through the Tongass Narrows by the thousands, but many other species pick different paths.

From Washington Times

Mr. Prosek’s vigilance about the limitations of nomenclature led him to invent hybrid species derived from actual names, like the part-bird, part-fish “Parrotfishe,” and “Flying Fox With Lady’s Slippers,” a serene, taxidermied red fox complete with wings from a surf scoter.

From New York Times

In habits and food the Surf Scoter resembles the common species, deriving its name from the pertinacity with which it selects, as its feeding-ground, a sandy beach over which surf rolls.

From Project Gutenberg