Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

The Greater Scaup is a medium-sized diving duck found in North America and Eurasia. Males have black heads, white flanks, and gray backs, while females are brown with a white band at the base of the bill. They breed in freshwater lakes and ponds in the northern boreal forest and tundra regions, and winter in coastal marine waters. Greater Scaups are strong divers and primarily feed on aquatic plants, mollusks, and small crustaceans. They are known for their distinctive blue bill and yellow eyes, and are often seen in large flocks during migration and wintering periods.

Habitat: Freshwater lakes and coastal marine waters