Ducks, geese, and swans · Waterfowl
Greater Scaup
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Aythya marila
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How to recognize it
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Body length 42–52 cm
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In flight, broad white wing stripe, rapid wingbeats; takes off readily from water
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Adult male: dark head with green or purple sheen, black breast, grey-and-white mottled back, white belly
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Female: mostly brown, broad white band at the base of the bill
About the species
The male has a dark head with a green or purple sheen, a black chest, pale grey back and white belly. Its light blue bill and yellow eyes stand out against the dark face, and a broad white stripe runs along the wing. Females are mostly brown, with white on the wing and a pale patch around the bill.
They gather in rafts that can number in the thousands and dive underwater for food. During courtship, males give a soft, quick whistle, while females make a repeated, raspy "arrr" call.
They breed on northern tundra and boreal lakes, nesting near water among vegetation or on islands. Most move south for winter, gathering in coastal bays and estuaries, where they dive for molluscs, aquatic plants and insects; some also spend winter on inland lakes.
Where to find
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In winter on temperate sea coasts, look for large rafts of Greater Scaup resting on the water close to shore.
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In narrow bays and lagoons in winter, watch for dives in search of molluscs and aquatic plants — food is gathered from the bottom.
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In summer along vegetated shores of northern tundra lakes, look for a female with downy ducklings following her across the water.
