description Greater Scaup Overview
The greater scaup, Aythya marila, is a medium-sized diving duck with a circumpolar breeding range across tundra regions of North America and Eurasia. It breeds in shallow lakes and ponds, then commonly winters on coastal bays, estuaries, and large ice-free lakes. Males have dark heads, white sides, gray backs, and yellow eyes, while females are brown with a pale facial patch. It feeds mainly on aquatic invertebrates and plants obtained by diving.
help Greater Scaup FAQ
Where does the greater scaup breed?
The greater scaup breeds across tundra regions of North America and Eurasia. It uses shallow lakes and ponds during the breeding season before moving to larger water bodies.
Where can greater scaup be seen in winter?
It commonly winters on coastal bays, estuaries and large ice-free lakes. These habitats provide open water and access to mollusks, aquatic plants and other food.
How can I distinguish a male greater scaup?
The male has a dark greenish head, black breast, pale gray body and a black rear end. Its rounded head and broad dark bill help separate it from the similar lesser scaup.
What is the difference between greater scaup and lesser scaup?
Greater scaup are generally larger and have a more rounded head, while lesser scaup often show a peaked crown. Head shape, bill markings and body size are useful together because individual birds can be difficult to identify from a distance.
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