Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

Description:

seemed to be same size as typical mallard, maybe slightly smaller

Notes:

Have seen them for the past few weeks just off the causeway in the Indian River Lagoon. Brackish intra-coastal. Based on that and on head shape, I'm assuming Greater Scaup instead of Lesser, but really don't know.

2 Species ID Suggestions

Harrier 12 years ago

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis Lesser Scaup

Stian Waaler 12 years ago

Aythya marila Greater Scaup

2 Comments

Harrier 12 years ago

Purplish head sheen, slight head tuft, and limited bill nail indicate Lesser Scaup on the male. As for the female, forward head peak and limited white suggest Lesser as well, but I'm slightly uncertain.

QuigCrew 12 years ago

Thanks @Stian

Spotted by
QuigCrew

Melbourne, Florida, USA

Spotted on Mar 26, 2012
Submitted on Mar 26, 2012

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Reference

Greater Scaup
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