Melanitta perspicillata, commonly known as the surf scoter, is native to North America. It is predominantly found along the Pacific and Atlantic coasts, from Alaska and Canada down to the northern United States. During winter, they migrate to the coasts of the United States, reaching as far south as Mexico.

The surf scoter typically inhabits marine environments, especially in coastal and nearshore waters during non-breeding seasons. It prefers shallow, calm waters such as bays, estuaries, and inlets. When breeding, surf scoters move inland to freshwater habitats like large lakes, ponds, and rivers in forested regions of northern Canada and Alaska.

Surf scoters are diving ducks that feed primarily on mollusks, crustaceans, and aquatic insects. Their ecological niche involves diving and foraging at the bottom of water bodies, making them an integral part of the aquatic food web. They contribute to controlling the population of benthic invertebrates in their habitat.