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Greater Scaup (Aythya marila)
Greater Scaup (Male), Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, Huntington Beach, California Photograph by Alan And Elaine Wilson. Some rights reserved. (view image details) 
Greater Scaup (Female), Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, Huntington Beach, California Photograph by Alan And Elaine Wilson. Some rights reserved. (view image details)
GREATER SCAUP FACTS
DescriptionIn breeding plumage, the male Greater Scaup has a black head, neck, upper back, and breast. The head has a green iridescent sheen. The back is white or pale gray with thin wavy black lines. The rump and under the is black. The belly and sides are white. In non-breeding plumage the male is duller, with brown to black head and neck, and white edging to feathers on back and breast; mottled brown and white underside. The female has prominent white patch at base of the bill, dark brown head and neck with light mottling, dark brown back with white flecks, pale brown breast. Immature birds are similar to adult females. Size 39-56 cm Environment lakes, ponds, bays, coast. Food aquatic invertebrates, insects, seeds, aquatic plants. Breeding The nest is a bowl shaped depression in the ground lined with grasses and down. The nest is located in tall grass. Lays five to thirteen (usually eight or nine) olive buff eggs. Range Breeds in Alaska, northern Canada, northern Europe and Asia. Winters on Pacific coast from Alaska to Baja California, Atlantic coast from Newfoundland to Texas, the Great Lakes, Europe, Asia. Classification
Relatives in same Genus Lesser Scaup (A. affinis) Redhead (A. americana) Ring-necked Duck (A. collaris) Tufted Duck (A. fuligula) Canvasback (A. valisineria) Home | Mammals | Reptiles | Birds | Insects | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Contact Us |