Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis)

A drake Lesser Scaup along the Cambridge waterfront, Maryland (2/10/2008). Note his head shape, thin nail (tip of bill), and the traditionally cited purple gloss on the head. However, note that gloss color (green=Greater, purple=Lesser) is not considered a reliable field mark on its own. Photo by Bill Hubick.

Above and below: A drake Lesser Scaup along the Cambridge waterfront, Maryland (2/10/2008). Note his head shape, thin nail (tip of bill), and the traditionally cited purple gloss on the head. However, note that gloss color (green=Greater, purple=Lesser) is not considered a reliable field mark on its own.

A drake Lesser Scaup along the Cambridge waterfront, Maryland (2/10/2008). Note his head shape, thin nail (tip of bill), and the traditionally cited purple gloss on the head. However, note that gloss color (green=Greater, purple=Lesser) is not considered a reliable field mark on its own. Photo by Bill Hubick.

A drake Lesser Scaup along the Cambridge waterfront, Maryland (2/10/2008). Note his head shape, thin nail (tip of bill), and the traditionally cited purple gloss on the head. However, note that gloss color (green=Greater, purple=Lesser) is not considered a reliable field mark on its own. Photo by Bill Hubick.

Below: A Lesser Scaup along the Choptank River in Dorchester County, Maryland in February 2005.

A Lesser Scaup along the Choptank River in Dorchester County, Maryland in February 2005. Photo by Bill Hubick.

Below: A drake Lesser Scaup drops in at the Fort Smallwood pond for a couple minutes before continuing north (4/15/2012).


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