Lesser Scaup
Aythya affinis (Eyton, 1838)
Lesser Scaup: https://marylandbiodiversity.org/species/928
Synonyms
Blue-Bill  Brass-eyed Blackhead  LESC  Little Blackhead  Small Blackhead 
Tags

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642 Records

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Status

Lesser Scaup, like Greater Scaup, are diving ducks. Lesser Scaup breed mostly in Canada and occur in Maryland mainly during migration and in winter. They raft up in large flocks in winter in sheltered bays and inlets.

Description

Note the peaked crown of the head, the thin nail (tip of bill), and, in the male, the traditionally cited purple gloss on the head. However, note that gloss color (green=Greater, purple=Lesser) is not considered a reliable field mark on its own. Female is brown overall, with a bold white patch at the base of the bill.

Where To Find

Lesser Scaup are much more common in the Chesapeake Bay than are Greater Scaup. A good place to find wintering Lesser Scaup is at the Oakley Street waterfront on the Choptank River, in Cambridge, Dorchester County, Maryland. Large rafts can also sometimes be found in the Potomac River south of Washington, DC.

Resources

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Citations

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Source: Wikipedia

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