Lesser Scaup
Lesser Scaup
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The Lesser Scaup is a widespread diving duck, closely resembling the Greater Scaup but with a distinct peaked head shape in males. Males display a purplish sheen on their black heads, contrasting with white flanks and a grey back.
Where to spot
Breeds across Alaska and Canada, south into the northern United States. Winters widely across the southern United States, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, primarily on freshwater lakes and ponds, but also in coastal bays.
How to spot
Look for them on lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers, often associating with other diving ducks. Males are identified by their distinct peaked head shape and more compact bill compared to the Greater Scaup. Females are brownish with a white facial patch near the bill.
When to spot
Most easily observed during migration in spring and autumn, and throughout the winter months in their extensive non-breeding range.
Where to spot
Breeds across Alaska and Canada, south into the northern United States. Winters widely across the southern United States, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, primarily on freshwater lakes and ponds, but also in coastal bays.
How to spot
Look for them on lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers, often associating with other diving ducks. Males are identified by their distinct peaked head shape and more compact bill compared to the Greater Scaup. Females are brownish with a white facial patch near the bill.
When to spot
Most easily observed during migration in spring and autumn, and throughout the winter months in their extensive non-breeding range.
Credits:
Door Alan D. Wilson - NaturesPicsOnline, CC BY-SA 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1646914
Lesser Scaups are the most abundant and widespread diving duck in North America, with massive migratory flocks sometimes numbering in the thousands.
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