Greater Scaup

41-51 cm (16-20") Locally common. Large open lakes, bays. Diving duck.

Male: dark head may show greenish gloss; pale bluish-gray bill; black breast and rear end; white sides; gray back. Best told from male Lesser Scaup by more rounded head and slightly larger bill. In flight, white belly and underwings contrast with black breast and black undertail coverts; bold white wing stripe extends to wing tips.

Female: dark brown overall, darker on back than sides. White patch encircles face at base of bluish bill. Best told from female Lesser Scaup by more rounded head and slightly larger bill. In flight, white belly and underwings; bold white wing stripe extends to wing tips.

Song: usually silent, croaking and whistles, quack or "scaup".

Videos

Images

Credit: Len Blumin

Credit: Chuq Von Rospach

Credit: Teddy Llovet