Greater Scaup
Aythya marila
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Aythya marila
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Mass
~1 kg
Habitat
Wetlands and marshes
Diet
Fish and aquatic animals
How to recognize it
The Greater Scaup is a sturdy diving duck with a rounded head and a short neck. Males look sharply black-and-white, while females wear calmer brown tones, so the two sexes can seem very different on the water.
It is usually quiet, but during courtship the male gives a soft nasal whistle or a low cooing note and swims around in a showy way. It lifts off water easily and flies fast, with quick wingbeats.
It breeds near northern lakes, marshes, and slow waters with overgrown shores. Its food is mostly molluscs and aquatic plants, and outside the breeding season it often gathers in large flocks and winters along sea coasts.
Quick Facts
The Greater Scaup is a sturdy diving duck with a rounded head and a short neck. Males look sharply black-and-white, while females wear calmer brown tones, so the two sexes can seem very different on the water.
It is usually quiet, but during courtship the male gives a soft nasal whistle or a low cooing note and swims around in a showy way. It lifts off water easily and flies fast, with quick wingbeats.
It breeds near northern lakes, marshes, and slow waters with overgrown shores. Its food is mostly molluscs and aquatic plants, and outside the breeding season it often gathers in large flocks and winters along sea coasts.
How to recognize it
You might also see
Sources
- eBird — Aythya marila Sightings map and full description on eBird
- Wikipedia — Greater scaup Encyclopedia article