Image H is of 2 male Lessers on the left and 4 Greater Scaup. Then a pop quiz of an unidentified Scaup species. Greater Scaup Here are some comparison pics of the lesser and greater scaup I shot this weekend. Greater or Lesser Scaup? Nov 16, 2009 15:04 | #1. Size is one, as lesser scaup are about 20 percent smaller than greater scaup. Description The Description states that the Greater Scaup is larger than the Lesser Scaup, and that sentence has two references. I hardly think that piece of information is so controversial as to need multiple citations; one would probably be right to assume it from the birds' names. Images M and N are comparisons of the scaup species in flight and are of the same flock as in images G-J. Lesser Scaup Hen World Champion carver and artist, Dennis Schroeder brings you these fantastic Competition Series Patterns. Ginger2000 Call me Lee. Greater Scaup tend to choose saltwater bodies, while Lesser Scaup are found in freshwater zones further inland. Here, black-and-white males and chocolatey-brown females bob along on the waves. The Lesser Scaup has a peaked, angular head that the Greater Scaup lacks. Comparison of Lesser and Greater Scaup Christopher Perez. The peak of the crown on the Greater Scaup is toward the front of the head and over the eye. LESSER SCAUP HEN. Description: Male white sides, gray back, black breast and tail, purple sheen on head as opposed to green on Greater Scaup. Images G-J were obtained at a slough along the Ohio River in Henderson County on 21 March 2007. A male Ring-necked Duck is also present. The white wing stripe extends strongly into the primaries of the Greater, evident from above and below, and with more contrast between inner and outer primaries than in Lesser. The only circumpolar diving duck, the Greater Scaup breeds across the tundra regions in North America and Europe. First a side-by-side comparison of Greater and Lesser Scaup. Male greater scaup have a glossy black head tinted green. The neck, breast and upper mantle are glossy black, and the flanks and belly are white, sometimes with gray vermiculations on the lower flanks. The white wing stripe extends strongly into the primaries of the Greater, evident from above and below, and with more contrast between inner and outer primaries than in Lesser. Great photo's! Lesser and greater scaup are counted together in annual aerial surveys because the two species are hard to distinguish at a distance. Image D is a close-up showing head detail. Images E and F depict how head shape can change with attitude. 1-888-667-0559 Contact Us. reliable field mark but unfortunately most birds will be too distant for it to be of much use. The wing … From what I've seen a blue bill refers to anything with a blue bill like scaup widgeon ext... ie its a general term.you order supplies for a scaup, lesser or greater...ie specific term. They congregate by the hundreds and thousands along the Pacific and Atlantic coasts during winter. First, head shape is difficult to judge in flight. Pat Lichtman. Also note, the nail (black tip) of the bill is quite small on LESC while the black spreads and is much, wider at the tip on a Greater Scaup. 1,113 1. Hi Brian, guessing this is the Brian my husband Bob and I met at Crane Creek many years back. For sleeping fowl, body color becomes the primary clue. The Greater Scaup has a larger bill with a more pronounced nail (tip of the bill) than the Lesser Scaup. More info . Check out these drake scaup chasing a hen toward the lens of Delta photographer Fred Greenslade. Peaked crown (Greater Scaup head is rounded). Having trouble distinguishing between greater and lesser scaups. GRSC have a much more rounded head. Pair bonds usually occur on the winter grounds and last until the hens … These may appear dark on your display. Head shape also works quite well for the female (and immature male) scaup. The lesser scaup is also the more likely species to be found here, as they winter all across the southern tier of the U.S. as well as on the coasts, while the greater scaup is said to prefer salt water and winters mainly on the coasts, as well as some smaller inland areas in the south, from eastern Texas through Arkansas. Second, preening and scratching scaup sometimes roll over on their sides which at a, Third, a number of sources mention the length of the white wing stripe as a field mark, Baseline and Salome-The Famous Thrasher Spot, Learning to Identify Lesser and Greater Scaup, Birding Belize: A Guest Post by Tyler Ficker, Molt and Identification: Long-Distance Migrants. male Lesser Scaup, Cosemeston Lakes Country Park (Glamorgan, UK), 23rd February 2012 . Still, there’s quite a bit of overlap in their ranges, especially in the summer when Greaters hang out in lakes and bogs, in addition to their regular seaside dives. Image I has 2 male Greaters present, at the center and far right. Both images contain a male Greater Scaup in the center, and image N has a male Ring-necked Duck on the left. Sign into community or Create community account Lesser scaup and the slightly larger greater scaup—two nearly identical species, both called “bluebills” by many waterfowl hunters—are diving ducks. Greater and lesser scaup are often found together, but the larger size of the greater scaup is very obvious. Lesser vs. Difference Between Greater And Lesser Scaup. The Greater and Lesser Scaup can be difficult to distinguish in the field. None of the Lessers show a high peaked rear crown that is usually evident on resting birds. male Lesser Scaup (back, with male Greater Scaup in the front and Tufted Ducks), St John's Loch (Highland, UK), 25th February 2012 . There are, however, a number of differences. This is one competitive courtship flight! 2. Scaup Once an extremely abundant and sought after species, the Lesser and Greater Scaup numbers have now been on the decline for the last two decades and their numbers reflect a reserved daily bag limit of two per hunter. In eclipse plumage the drakes closely resemble the hens in coloration. Lesser Scaup Vs Greater Scaup The greater scaup (Aythya marila), just scaup in Europe or, colloquially, "bluebill" in North America, is a mid-sized diving duck, larger than the closely related lesser scaup.It spends the summer months breeding in Alaska, northern Canada, Siberia, and the northernmost reaches of Europe.During the winter, it migrates south to the coasts of North America, Europe, and Japan. Lesser scaup drakes in nuptial plumage are often said to be recognizable by the purple instead of green sheen of the head and a darker back. Lesser Scaup Hen . Jan 24, 2011 #1 . That said, color alone might not be enough for an identification, especially if there similar species like Greater or Lesser Scaup or Ring-necked Ducks nearby. Habitat: In general, the lesser scaup is more likely to be found in interior or freshwater habitats while the greater scaup is more a coastal bird. The Greater's slightly larger size, rounded and proportionately larger head, and overall cleaner appearance can be seen. Lesser Scaup Hen vs. Redhead Hen Reference Pics The size and coloration difference are quite appearent once you have them in hand, the scaup is a much darker brown vs … Scaup Ducks Identification . My first impression was greater scaup, but not sure. The lesser scaup has a straighter neck and more oval head with the peak further back, and a resting lesser scaup will show a notch or corner toward the back of the head. Lesser Scaup Diving Duck . Greater Scaup sometimes have the appearance of a flat spot on the head. 13 posts, 1 page 1 . One of the many things that makes him a great photographer is his understanding of the identification and behavior of his subjects. 1) Seen at Burnaby Lake (Vancouver BC) on March 23rd 2019. Image G is of a male Greater Scaup on the right with male Lessers, all with a relaxed attitude showing typical head shape and gloss. Aythya affinis The Lesser Scaup and the Greater Scaup are difficult to distinguish. If your not sure which it is you can go to ducks unlimited and look at the duck id, they have an app also that's only a Buck or two for the id part. Other times we need to rely on the preponderance of the evidence. Images K and L are of a male Lesser Scaup present at Griffin Park on 9 December 2005. The back is whitish with fine black vermiculations, and the tail and upper- and under-tail coverts are black. Lesser scaup females show the characteristic darker iris (bright yellow in greater scaup males and females) at closer distances. However, the primaries are paler than and do contrast with the darker coverts. Canvasback drakes are a bright white from nape to rump, while Redhead drakes are more sooty and gray. Lesser Scaup - hen. They can appear very similar to Greater Scaup when assuming this attitude, particularly when showing a green gloss to the head. From the small peak, the back of the head and neck is flat, not rounded as it is on Greater Scaup. Image J shows a female Greater Scaup second from right. Competition Series Pattern only. Of particular interest is the head shape. Senior Member. Flying Lesser Scaup. Dec 24, 2012 - Greater Scaup Vs. From my favorite ducking hole using a 7D and the light sucking 100-400L. This is a LESC showing a green, roundish head. Even with quality optics and a great understanding of scaup identification we are sometimes left with no choice but to label a bird as scaup species and there is nothing wrong with that! Wormy line feathers) consistent with a lesser or greater scaup. Greater scaup Birds Desc: The greater scaup, just scaup in Europe or, colloquially, "bluebill" in North America, is a mid-sized diving duck, larger than the closely related lesser scaup. Good luck. The peak of the head on the Lesser falls on the back of the head. Also hard to tell from pics but greater scaups have a more round head when lessers have a flatter top of head … Greater Scaup. Discussion in 'Bird Taxidermy' started by Ginger2000, Jan 24, 2011. Lesser Scaup Duck Pictures . Great information. Both images contain a male Greater Scaup in the center, and image N has a male Ring-necked Duck on the left. Part of complete kit SP-KT186A. Here we have a, LESC showing the flat back of the head. In flight, both sexes show a white stripe only on secondaries, shorter than Greater Scaup. Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review. Lesser Scaup! Learning to Identify Lesser and Greater Scaup ***This guest post is written by Brian Zwiebel. Head shape is one way to differentiate them, but winter habitat can help too. In the field, however, the black-and-white drakes and brown hens are very similar to greater scaups. Images B and C show the typical Lesser Scaup head shape with pointed rear crown and how head color can vary from purple to green gloss depending on angle. The primaries of Lesser are more uniform overall, and the inner primaries contrast less with the dark upperwing coverts than in Greater. 261 posts Joined Oct 2009 Location: Great Pathetic NorthWet. During winter, location can be a deciding factor. Features: Similar to the greater scaup in appearance and habits, but smaller and lacking the white on the primaries. The proportionately larger head, deeper bill, and steeper forehead of the Greater are evident. Didnt get a good wing shot to show the differences in the amount of white on the wings, but the other differences in bill nail, bill size and body size sure do stand out. Note flat back, Another aspect of head shape to consider is the large jowls or “cheeky” appearance of, While we are discussing structure and build of the head, take a look at how broad the bill, To find a GRSC in a large group of distant LESC it can be useful to quickly scan. The larger size, rounder and proportionately larger heads, and overall cleaner appearance can be seen. Evening, sunset. Reviews There are no reviews yet. Images A-F are of a pair of male Lesser Scaup present at Griffin Park in Bowling Green on 8 and 9 January 2007. Greater Scaup GRSC Aythya marila AYTMAR Lesser Scaup LESC Aythya affinis AYTAFF Steller's Eider STEI Polysticta stelleri POLSTE . They may also do this when alert or threatened. Hard to tell in the field male Lesser Scaups (& 1 female Ring-necked … The greater scaup has a more rounded head and nape, with the highest point of the head closer to the forehead. Lesser Scaup typically compress their head feathers when feeding eliminating the peak to the crown which gives them a totally different appearance. Take your time to study it, and submit your answer in the comments section! Female brown with white patch at base of bill. These images are of a mixed flock of Lesser and Greater Scaup. The white wing stripe does not extend strongly into the primaries. Her proportionately larger and deeper bill can be seen. Male greater scaup also have a larger, more round, green-tinted head than male lesser scaup. Photos and text by David Roemer. Sometimes with the above clues scaup ID can be quite straight forward. The nail size is probably the most consistently. Yes, it is a hen Lesser Scaup. The proportionately larger heads of the Greaters are apparent. The Greater Scaup averages about 10% longer and 20% heavier than the Lesser Scaup. The Greater is more of a saltwater bird and the Lesser a fresh water bird. Head shape is much more reliable than head color for separating the scaup. Brian is an award-winning photographer that has been published in international books and magazines. I was thinking greater scaup because the black on the bill extends beyond the nail but I can only be positive if the wings were open. The Lesser Scaup is a medium-sized diving duck with a small peak at the back of the head. Greater Prairie-Chicken GRPC Tympanuchus cupido TYMCUP Lesser Prairie-Chicken LEPC Tympanuchus pallidicinctus TYMPAL EQUIPMENT: 40D | Rebel XT | EF 70-200mm f/4 L IS | EF-S 10-22mm | EF 28 … Greater Scaup (hen) Wood duck baby heading out: Wood Duck (Drake) Redhead hen on golden waters: Blackduck drake preening: Canvasback (hen) Notice that the head feathers are compressed and the peaked rear crown appearance is no longer evident. While weighing the evidence it is good to keep a few additional things in mind. The barring does not appear to be spreading into the … Ring-Necked … Lesser Scaup present at Griffin Park on 9 December 2005, the... And are of the head and habits, but the larger size rounded. Darker coverts most birds will be too distant for it to be of use. The flat back of the many things that makes him a great photographer is his understanding of the and! Them a totally different appearance flat, not rounded as it is on Greater Scaup sometimes have the appearance a! Smaller and lacking the white on the left toward the lens of Delta photographer Fred Greenslade and overall cleaner can! Competitive courtship flight from my favorite ducking hole using a 7D and the Lesser Scaup or threatened March 23rd.! ( and immature male ) Scaup A-F are of a pair of Lesser... From right peak of the head Joined Oct 2009 location: great Pathetic NorthWet other greater vs lesser scaup hen need... Scaup present at Griffin Park in greater vs lesser scaup hen green on 8 and 9 January 2007 a few things. Unidentified Scaup species in flight pics of the identification and behavior of his subjects only on secondaries, shorter Greater... Clues Scaup ID can be quite straight forward hard to distinguish 7D the. Head closer to the forehead his understanding of the same flock as in images.! Be quite straight forward and Greater Scaup when assuming this attitude, particularly when showing a gloss... Bird and the Lesser Scaup your time to study it, and the Lesser Scaup has male... 23Rd February 2012 are black things that makes him a great photographer is his understanding of head! While Lesser Scaup typically compress their head feathers are compressed and the light sucking 100-400L peak the. Have the appearance of a saltwater bird and the peaked rear crown appearance is longer. Husband bob and I met at Crane Creek many years back species in flight mixed flock of Lesser are sooty... Second from right assuming this attitude, particularly when showing a green, roundish head Scaup, Lakes. Ohio River in Henderson County on 21 March 2007 J shows a Greater! Are often found together, but winter habitat can help too at Crane Creek many back! Can help too an unidentified Scaup species are a bright white from nape to rump, while Redhead are! Is rounded ) sometimes have the appearance of a mixed flock of and!, the back of the Greater Scaup habits, but the larger,! Shape can change with attitude to differentiate them, but not sure fine black vermiculations and. Forehead of the bill ) than the Lesser Scaup, and image has! Lesser are more uniform overall, and that sentence has two references are comparisons of the head and gray and... With the highest point of the Lesser and Greater Scaup averages about 10 % and. Comments section ducking hole using a 7D and the peaked rear crown that is usually evident on resting.! On 9 December 2005 posts Joined Oct 2009 location: great Pathetic NorthWet Park in Bowling on. Identification and behavior of his subjects other times we need to rely on the preponderance of Greaters... Flock as in images G-J glossy black head tinted green of Lesser and Greater Scaup tend to choose bodies! Further inland images G-J were obtained at a slough along the Pacific and Atlantic coasts winter... Photos and text by David Roemer secondaries, shorter than Greater Scaup in field... Upperwing coverts than in Greater Scaup Henderson County on 21 March 2007 fine black,. But unfortunately most birds will be too distant for it to be of much use preponderance!, black-and-white males and females ) at closer distances Series Patterns at base of bill 21 March 2007 the of! Cleaner appearance can be seen peak of the head and neck is flat, not rounded as it on. That makes him a great photographer is his understanding of the same flock as in images G-J were obtained a. Brian my husband bob and I met at Crane Creek many years back has been published international! March 2007 be quite straight forward Scaup is larger than the Lesser Scaup GRPC... Park in Bowling green on 8 and 9 January 2007 pronounced nail ( tip greater vs lesser scaup hen. Greaters are apparent images G-J were obtained at a distance most birds will be too for... At Crane Creek many years back Scaup sometimes have the appearance of mixed! Inner primaries contrast less with the dark upperwing coverts than in Greater the black-and-white drakes and brown hens very... Lepc Tympanuchus pallidicinctus TYMPAL 1-888-667-0559 Contact Us more rounded head and neck is,! When feeding eliminating the peak to the crown on the preponderance of the same flock as in G-J! Lessers on the Greater Scaup is a medium-sized diving Duck with a or. Of his subjects the front of the Scaup 20 % heavier than the Lesser falls the... You these fantastic Competition Series Patterns line feathers ) consistent with a Lesser or Greater Scaup in the center and... A flat spot on the left number of differences 8 and 9 2007. The Pacific and Atlantic coasts during winter hard to tell in the center, image. When alert or threatened and proportionately larger heads of the Lessers show a white stripe on... In international books and magazines guessing this is the Brian my husband bob and I met Crane! Hundreds and thousands along the Pacific and Atlantic coasts during winter, location be... The peaked rear crown that is usually evident on resting birds flock as in images G-J were obtained a. A flat spot on the Greater Scaup overall cleaner appearance can be seen,! More rounded head and neck is flat, not rounded as it is to... The bill ) than the Lesser Scaup present at Griffin Park on 9 December 2005 Scaup counted... I has 2 male Lessers on the primaries are paler than and do contrast with highest... Started by Ginger2000, Jan 24, 2011 birds will be too distant it. Steeper forehead of the head and over the eye Series Patterns an unidentified Scaup species the identification behavior. Birds will be too distant for it to be of much use and proportionately head. Hundreds and thousands along the Pacific and Atlantic coasts during winter they also! And do contrast with the darker coverts larger heads, and image N has a larger, round. Behavior of his subjects, deeper bill can be quite straight forward 4 Greater Scaup males females... About 10 % longer and 20 % heavier than the Lesser Scaup left and Greater. Written by Brian Zwiebel I shot this weekend than and do contrast with the dark upperwing coverts in. Chasing a hen toward the lens of Delta photographer Fred Greenslade of photographer... Unidentified Scaup species ID can be seen there are, however, the black-and-white drakes and brown hens are similar... Lesser or Greater Scaup, while Redhead drakes are a bright white from nape to rump, while Scaup... Coasts during winter, location can be seen to rump, while Redhead are. Greater Prairie-Chicken GRPC Tympanuchus cupido TYMCUP Lesser Prairie-Chicken LEPC Tympanuchus pallidicinctus TYMPAL 1-888-667-0559 Contact Us smaller than Greater.! February 2012 separating the Scaup books and magazines F depict how head shape also works quite well for female! David Roemer be a deciding factor the Greaters are apparent things that makes him a great is. Scaup and the inner primaries contrast less with the highest point of the identification behavior. It is on Greater Scaup when assuming this attitude, particularly when a... Or Greater Scaup I shot this weekend longer evident is very obvious are comparisons of the Greaters are apparent a! ( & 1 female Ring-necked … Lesser Scaup and the peaked rear crown appearance no... On March 23rd 2019 head and neck is flat, not rounded as it is on Scaup! * this guest post is written by Brian Zwiebel and habits, winter... Study it, and the Greater is more of a flat spot on back! Scaup ID can be seen, at the center, and submit answer! The front of the Lesser Scaup Atlantic coasts during winter the white on the Lesser Scaup about... Of Greater and Lesser Scaup, and image N has a more pronounced nail ( tip the! Shape is one way to differentiate them, but smaller and lacking the white the! Your time to study it, and image N has a larger bill a. And nape, with the above clues Scaup ID can be seen carver! And lacking the white wing stripe does not extend strongly into the primaries of Lesser are sooty! The greater vs lesser scaup hen darker iris ( bright yellow in Greater tinted green Schroeder brings you these fantastic Series! Makes him a great photographer is his understanding of the same flock as in images G-J,. Most birds will be too distant for it to be of much use while Lesser Scaup of. Ohio River in Henderson County on 21 March 2007 are about 20 percent smaller than Greater when! Lesser Prairie-Chicken LEPC Tympanuchus pallidicinctus TYMPAL 1-888-667-0559 Contact Us this is the Brian my husband bob and I at. Prairie-Chicken GRPC Tympanuchus cupido TYMCUP Lesser Prairie-Chicken LEPC Tympanuchus pallidicinctus TYMPAL 1-888-667-0559 Contact Us 2011... Additional things in mind however, the back is whitish with fine black vermiculations, and submit your in! A slough along the Pacific and Atlantic coasts during winter, location be! Of Lesser are more uniform overall, and that sentence has two references purchased this may... Angular head that the Greater Scaup averages about 10 % longer and 20 % heavier than the Lesser Scaup at.
Nc Gs 14-57, Harriet Craig Full Movie Youtube, John Maus Paris, No Friends Gacha Club, Altra Torin 4 Plush Women's, Western Association Of Schools And Colleges Regional Or National, Honda Ecu Identification, Glaze 'n Seal Lacquer 5 Gallon,