Species BirdsLesser Scaup

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

CommonBird
Illustration of Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis)

The Lesser Scaup is the most abundant diving duck in North America, with millions wintering on coastal bays and inland lakes. It has a peaked head compared to the rounder Greater Scaup. Large concentrations once occurred on Lake Erie, but populations have declined significantly. Its breeding grounds in interior boreal Canada are poorly surveyed.

Habitat
Coastal bays, large lakes, and reservoirs in winter; boreal lakes when breeding
Diet
Aquatic invertebrates, mollusks, and plant material
How common
Common

Recent Lesser Scaup sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

Spot a Lesser Scaup? Identify it instantly.

Point Huck at any plant or animal and get an instant ID, rarity, and field notes — building your personal nature collection as you go.

Get Huck — free

More birds

Acorn Woodpecker
Acorn Woodpecker
Melanerpes formicivorus
American Avocet
American Avocet
Recurvirostra americana
American Bittern
American Bittern
Botaurus lentiginosus
American Black Duck
American Black Duck
Anas rubripes
American Coot
American Coot
Fulica americana
American Crow
American Crow
Corvus brachyrhynchos
American Flamingo
American Flamingo
Phoenicopterus ruber
American Golden-Plover
American Golden-Plover
Pluvialis dominica