Lesser Scaup

Scientific Name - Aythya affinis

Lesser Scaup (Males on right, females on left)

Identification Tips:

Length: 12 inches
Wingspan: 29 inches
Small, compact diving duck
Peaked crown
Yellow eyes
Blue bill with small black nail at tip
Dark wing with dark tipped white secondaries and pale gray primaries

Immature female similar to adult female, immature male is similar to female in autumn, but acquires alternate plumage during winter

Adult male alternate:

Alternate plumage worn from fall through early summer
Glossy purplish head
Black breast
Whitish or pale gray flanks, white belly
Whitish back with fine black vermiculations
Black tail, upper- and under-tail coverts

Adult female:

Distinct white band around base of bill
Dark brown body plumage
Whitish belly

Similar species:

Adult male Ring-necked Duck similar in alternate plumage but has quite different bill pattern, black back, grayer flanks and vertical white finger just behind black breast. Greater Scaup is very similar but has a more rounded head, larger bill, dark-tipped white primaries and secondaries, and glossy, greenish head as an adult male in alternate plumage. Female Greater Scaup has more rounded head, a broader bill, and more white flight feathers, and frequently has a distinct pale spot behind eye on side of head.