Greater Scaup?

[Janne]

This handsome bird flew in while I was searching for the Red-necked Grebe and waiting to get a shot of the Horned Grebes in Rendall Park bay at Harrison Lake today. Neither of the H. Grebes stayed above water long enough for a photo op.

I believe the the head shape and the greenish colour points to a Greater rather than a Lesser Scaup. Because of the brown rather than blackish breast, I think it is a juvenile male. What do you other birders think?

Janne Perrin
Harrison Hot Springs

[Janne]

That should read "while I was searching for the Red-breasted Merganser" not "Red-necked grebe." Just a little old timer's disease setting in. Sorry.
Janne Perrin
Harrison Hot Springs

[murraybrown]

Janne, I agree with your scaup ID. While the light reflections from their black/green/blue heads can be deceiving, the shape of the head and size of the bill (width) is always conclusive.
I find that the head of the Lesser always looks more like that of the Ring-billed Duck with it's steeper forehead and much narrower bill.
Although a close look (as you have provided) makes the call much easier.
You guys are coming up with some nice birds over there. Keep em coming!

Murray

[murraybrown]

Whoops, a bit of a Freudian slip there! The name - Ring-billed Duck takes me back to the "bad old days" of a duck hunter. That should read - Ring-necked Duck.
At that time we also referred to all scaup ducks as "bluebills" as well.
Lots of changes since then.

Murray

[Gord]

Murray, a few others for the names "Butterball" (Bufflehead) and "Whistlers" (Goldeneyes). I think Ring-necked Ducks should be called Ring-BILLED Ducks though!!

To add to the ID tips on Greater Scaups I have a few photos to share. Before I go further, I agree that the lake and lagoon are sure great spots! If ever a Smew would show up in our checklist area it's going to be there. Watch for something that looks like a Bufflehead male but with more white. The hen is similar to a male Ruddy Duck in winter plumage. Or what about an Eider (any species will do). Kevin and Janne, here is your mission, if you are willing to accept!! ;D ;D ;D

Scaups.

Further to Murray's tips on bill shape and size, check out the black 'nail' at the tip. Not always as apparent on females but on the males it's pretty obvious and a good fieldmark.

Greater Scaups have a big nail.


Lesser Scaups are smaller. Also, their heads are a little taller and thinner than a Greater Scaup, but be aware their head shapes vary depending on what they're up to (about to dive, getting into a scrap with another duck, at rest etc)


Wings are usually a good fieldmark although I have read that there can be a little variance among the minority. A Greater Scaup will have white in the wings coming from the secondaries into the primaries.


While on the Lesser, it ends at the secondaries.


The name helps with remembering...big bill, big bill nail, fat head and lots of white in wings = Greater. Narrower bill, thin bill nail, thinner head and less white in wings = Lesser.

The best way to ID these guys is when they are sleeping. All their head shapes are the same (as opposed to a flock actively feeding and in all stages of activity and consequent shape). The Lesser Scaup's peaked head is apparent while the Greater Scaup's rounded head is also obvious especially when side by side.

This is not the best, but gives an idea. Lesser on the left, Greater on the right.


One of a Greater


I dug up some more.

A pair of Greaters.


Lesser Scaups (note an example of what Murray said about head colour in relation to how the light hits it. Lesser males are supposed to be purple and Greater males green...)




The Lagoon is a great place to study these guys. Both species are there and pretty close. Hope this helps and have fun!