Length: 18 in …..Wing span: 28 in.
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.
Greater Scaup and Lesser Scaup are very similar in appearance. They are one of the most difficult identification challenges. Visit the ‘Compare’ page for additional information.
Male and female Greater Scaup. Photograph © Glenn Bartley.
Photograph © Glenn Bartley.
Males have a dark head and blue-gray bill with dark nail (tip). Chest is dark, sides white. Back mottled. The head may show a greenish sheen but is not diagnostic.
The head is generally round, with the peak at the front of the head.
Females have white at the base of the bill. Some, but not all, females have pale white markings on the cheek. Flanks and back flecked with white. Photograph © Glenn Bartley.
The dark tip of the bill is generally larger on the Greater Scaup than on the Lesser, but there is some overlap. Photograph © Glenn Bartley.
In non-breeding plumage the flanks of the male become streaked and more closely resemble the female. Photograph © Elaine Wilson.
Notice the peak of the head is toward the front. Some females will show a pale cheek patch. Juvenile males resemble females. Photograph © Greg Lavaty.
Another female Greater Scaup in non-breeding plumage. Minimum white at the base of the bill and more white than typical on the cheek and back of the head. Photograph © Greg Lavaty.
These females have a much more obvious peak to the front of the head than the two birds above. Photograph © Greg Lavaty.
Different lighting conditions make the bird in this image look browner and redder than their actual color. Photograph © Glenn Bartley.
Above and below – note the high point of the crown of the head, sometimes easier to spot when the duck is flying. Photograph © Alan Wilson.
The white in the wing more extensive than in Lesser Scaup. Photograph © Greg Lavaty.
Difficult to tell in the field, but the bill of the Greater Scaup is slightly longer and wider than the bill of the Lesser Scaup.
Compare the shape of the head on the three birds above with the shape of the head of the two images that follow below. The photographer identified them as Greater Scaup. Do you agree? Check out the page on Lesser Scaup and the Comparison page to help you decide.
Photograph © Glenn Bartley.
Photograph © Glenn Bartley.