Greater Scaup

Overview

Greater Scaup (Aythya marila) is a species of Ducks, Geese, Swans (Anatidae) in the order Waterfowl (Ducks, Geese and Swans). A black-and-white diving duck with a blue bill; forms huge winter rafts on coastal bays; dives for molluscs and plants; the northern counterpart of the tufted duck.

Scientific Classification

Genus: Aythya; binomial: Aythya marila; authority: (Linnaeus, 1761). Typical size: 42-51cm. Average lifespan: 5-10 years.

Distribution

Breeding range: the Nearctic and the Palearctic. Non-breeding range: to coasts of nw, ec Europe (e North Atlantic); Black and Caspian seas; Japan and Korean Pen. to e China and Taiwan (w North Pacific); c California (e North Pacific), Great Lakes, North Carolina (w North Atlantic).

Conservation Status

This taxon is listed as Extant (living) in the IOC World Bird List.

Remarks

No additional remarks recorded.