Greater Scaup

Scientific name: Aythya marila

From isolated arctic breeding grounds, the Greater Scaup migrates considerably south for the winter, with many birds traveling as far as the Gulf Coast. These movements typically take place in flocks. Though occasionally seen with Lesser Scaup, Greater Scaup typically flock together in single-species groups.

Both male and female Greater Scaup frequently return to the same breeding area in subsequent years. Cold and wet weather is a significant source of mortality for young scaup, but those that survive can live a long time. The record known age for a wild bird is 22 years.

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