Lesser Scaup

38-46 cm (15-18") Common, especially inland. Lakes, marshes, ponds, bays. Diving duck.

Male: dark head may show purplish gloss; pale bluish-gray bill; dark breast and rear end; white sides; gray back. Best told from male Greater Scaup by head shape - peaked at top, and by smaller bill.

Female: dark brown overall, darker on back than sides. White patch encircles face at base of bluish bill. Best told from female Greater Scaup by head shape - peaked at top, and by smaller bill.

In flight: white belly and underwings contrast with dark breast and dark undertail coverts; bold white inner wing stripe usually does not extend to wing tips.

Song: whistles, quacks, quack or "scaup".

Images

Credit: Rick Leche

Credit: Carol Foil

Credit: Ómar Runólfsson

Credit: Larry Bond

Distribution Maps

Lesser Scaup distribution map

Lesser Scaup winter distribution map