Brett H Posted February 20, 2021 Share Posted February 20, 2021 I saw the pictured male surf scoter on 2/15 in Kittery, Maine. It doesn't have the usual white on the forehead. I know juveniles don't have that white spot, but they also don't have the white spot on the neck (this one does). Has anyone seen an adult male surf scoter without the white patch on the forehead? Is this very unusual? Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jefferson Shank Posted February 20, 2021 Share Posted February 20, 2021 I think its is an immature male, which doesn't have all the white yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seanbirds Posted February 21, 2021 Share Posted February 21, 2021 5 hours ago, Jefferson Shank said: I think its is an immature male, which doesn't have all the white yet. Agreed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Leukering Posted February 21, 2021 Share Posted February 21, 2021 18 hours ago, Jefferson Shank said: I think its is an immature male, which doesn't have all the white yet. I disagree. There is no sign of immaturity in plumage or bill color/pattern, other than the lack of a forehead patch. These are examples of the appearance of imm male SUSC in the first three months of the calendar year: https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/45222141 https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/214728851 https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/142544941 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pictaker Posted February 21, 2021 Share Posted February 21, 2021 CRazy looking Surf Scoter, maybe a hybrid with a white winged? I have never seen one without the white patch.... great pic.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Leukering Posted February 21, 2021 Share Posted February 21, 2021 1 hour ago, pictaker said: CRazy looking Surf Scoter, maybe a hybrid with a white winged? I have never seen one without the white patch.... great pic.. There’s no suggestion of that, either. The two species have very different bill shapes and patterns, as well as differing plumages. One other note on the bird’s age: Juvenile plumage in male Surfs is brown, not black. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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