Lesser Scaup

Duck Families and Species Diving Ducks Canvasback Redhead Duck Ring-necked

Lesser Scaups (Aythya affinis) are diving ducks and one of two differeny species of Scaups in the United States.

Greater Scaups (Aythya marila) are the other species, with size being the principle physical characteristic distinguishing the two.

Males have dark brown feathers with a white back during breeding season. During non-breeding season, the back feathers turn brown. The top picture shows a male during non-breeding season.

A white patch on the face is a field identification mark for female scaups, like the one pictured below.

Habitat also diffferentiates the species, and is helpful for field identification. Lesser Scaups are mostly fresh water ducks and Greater Scaups are mostly salt water ducks.