Geese, Ducks, Mergansers

Lesser Scaup, Aythya affinis

Family Anatidae (Geese, Ducks, Mergansers)

Size: 17"

Season: Fall–spring

Habitat: Marshes, shallow lakes, coastal bays

The lesser scaup is a small, short-bodied duck with a tall head profile and a relatively thin bill. The breeding male is distinctly two-toned, with white sides, a variegated pale-gray back, and a black rear and front. The head has a dark metallic-violet or greenish cast in good light, and the bill has a small black dot at the nail. The nonbreeding male is paler with brown on the sides. The female is gray brown with a dark-brown head and a white patch at the base of the bill. This is a diving duck that forages for aquatic plants and insects. It is very similar to the greater scaup but is smaller and has a more peaked head. The breeding female (top) and breeding male (bottom) are illustrated.