Red Fox vs Surf Scoter

Vulpes vulpes compared with Melanitta perspicillata

Key Differences

• Red Fox is Least Concern while Surf Scoter is Not Evaluated.

Taxonomic Classification

Rank	Red Fox	Surf Scoter
Kingdom same	Animalia (Animals)	Animalia (Animals)
Phylum same	Chordata (Chordates)	Chordata (Chordates)
Class	Mammalia (Mammals)	Aves (Birds)
Order	Carnivora (Carnivorans)	Anseriformes (Anseriformes)
Family	Canidae (Dogs & Wolves)	Anatidae
Genus	Vulpes (Foxes)	Melanitta
Species	Vulpes vulpes	Melanitta perspicillata

Evolutionary Relationship

Red Fox and Surf Scoter share a common ancestor at the Phylum level: Chordata. (Chordates)

Conservation Status

Red Fox

LC — Least Concern

Trend: Stable →

Surf Scoter

NE — Not Evaluated

Physical Characteristics

Attribute	Red Fox	Surf Scoter
Diet	Omnivore	—
Average Lifespan	5 years	—
Average Length	70 cm	—
Average Weight	6.0 kg	—

Habitat & Geographic Range

Red Fox

Habitat

Typically found in a wide range of habitat types.

Range

Widely distributed across Asia (Cyprus, Israel), Europe (8 countries), North America (United States), Oceania and the Pacific (Australia), and South America (Argentina).

Surf Scoter

Habitat

Typically found in various aerial, terrestrial, and aquatic environments.

Range

Found across Europe (5 countries) and North America (United States).

Red Fox

The most widespread wild carnivore on Earth, red foxes have colonized habitats from Arctic tundra to urban environments across the Northern Hemisphere and introduced ranges in Australia. Recognized by their russet coat, white belly, and bushy tail. Highly adaptable omnivores, red foxes eat everything from rabbits and voles to fruit and human refuse. They communicate with over 40 distinct vocalizations.

Shared Countries

Both species can be found in 5 countries:

🇧🇪 Belgium 🇩🇰 Denmark 🇳🇴 Norway 🇸🇪 Sweden 🇺🇸 United States