In flight, all plumages have a white wing stripe that extends into the primaries, nearly to the tip of the wing. Large diving duck with a rounded head and a yellow eye. Nonbreeding males have brownish gray back and flanks. Medium-sized diving duck with a rounded head.

Nov 29, 2019 · Tufted Duck is common and widespread in Britain, but hidden among them could be the scarce Greater Scaup or rare Lesser Scaup – learn to pick them out using Andy Stoddart's definitive guide.

Jan 19, 2017 · Once Ring-necked and Tufted Ducks are out of the running, you’re left with the pair that’s toughest to tell apart: scaup. During winter, location can be a deciding factor. Greater Scaup tend to choose saltwater bodies, while Lesser Scaup are found in freshwater zones further inland.

Feb 3, 2024 · When flying, the greater scaup shows a more rounded head protruding above a rounder, fuller body shape. The lesser appears flatter-headed with a thinner, more angular body profile in flight. The greater scaup is a slightly larger, chunkier duck overall, though the size difference is subtle.

What are Greater Scaups - where and how long do they live, what do they eat, their characteristics, behavior, and predators - explained with pictures.

In flight, shows longer white wing stripe. Male often shows green (not purple) gloss on head, and sides may look whiter than on Lesser Scaup. Females of both scaup may show pale ear patch in summer. Usually silent; discordant croaking calls on …

Oct 10, 2024 · Scaup: Commonly called bluebills, drakes of this species feature quintessential black-and-white coloration. Hens are drab, and you can confuse hens or immature birds with hen redheads or hen ringnecks, but the white marking near the bill of a hen scaup gives it away.

Scaup are diving ducks with a resemblance to Tufted Ducks. Males have black heads, shoulder and breast, white flanks, a grey back and a black tail. Females are brown, with characteristic white patches around the base of the bill. In flight, they show white patches along the length of the back edge of the wing.

Pictured Right: Male and female greater scaup with varying plumage, distance and behavior (flying, etc.).

Jan 18, 2022 · It can be seen flying in tight flocks with fast, sporadic movements, it spends a great deal of time diving (which it does with considerable athleticism), and it can hide quickly and efficiently when it feels the need. The lesser scaup is highly social and collects in large groups called rafts, particularly in migration season.