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 Oil pollution has contributed to the decline of the scoter population. Although sea ducks frequent the sea during the winter, they often inhabit fresh water areas also. The diving ducks obtain food by diving underwater. To facilitate diving, the feet are set far back on the body. They have large feet with a lobed hind toe. They tend to patter or walk on the surface of the water as they take off. When swimming, they keep the tail close to the water. An area referred to as the Prairie Pothole region is a prime breeding area for ducks. The region is 1,000 miles long and about 300 miles wide extending from South Dakota northward to Saskatchewan and Alberta. 
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