Lesser Scaup

The Lesser Scaup (Scientific name - Aythya affinis) is the most common diving duck that is found in North America. They breed from Alaska across to Eastern Canada and winter as far South as the Caribbean and Northern South America.  The majority winter on the coastlines, but some winter on reservoirs and lake further inland.

Male

Female

The males have a purple-green gloss to their heads and pale flanks. The females are duller in colour and have a white patch around the base of their bill.  They are very similar to the Greater Scaup.

Photos all taken at Mill Lake in Abbotsford, B.C. in 2011 and 2013.  

Male

Female