Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

Greater Scaup

Status

Physical 

This duck species is medium-sized, 15-22 inches (39-56 cm) long with a 28-31 inch (72-79 cm) wingspan. Both sexes have a light blue bill and yellow eyes. Males have a green-black head with white sides and a grey back. Females are brown, with a darker head and patch of white just above the bill.

Habitat

Greater scaups live in wetlands and shallow lake habitats, while in winter they are commonly found near bays and coastlines.

Feeding 

 Greater scaups typically feed on aquatic invertebrates, insects, and plant materials. They feed by diving underwater as deep as 23 feet but normally stay in shallow waters.

Greater Scaup
Image by Alan Schmierer on Flickr