Bird Gallery Index

Lesser Scaup image © Alan Murphy

Family: (Anatidae) Ducks, Geese and Swans

Preferred Habitat: Lakes and coastal bays

Seasonal Occurrence: Abundant December through February; also fairly common March through May.

Notes: This photograph is of a male Lesser Scaup. Females have brown heads and necks with a white patch at base of bill. Lesser Scaups are nicknamed "bluebills". They are placed in the group of diving ducks, since they obtain food by diving and swimming underwater. They are seldom found outside the water and need a running start to take flight.
- Susan Billetdeaux