Greater Scaup

Red list

Aythya marila

A chunky, round-headed diving duck of the open coast, the sea-going cousin of the tufted duck.

Diving duck · 16,000 breeding pairs (UK)

Measurements

In most ducks the male (drake) and female (hen) look quite different. Study both to identify any bird.

Photos: Alpsdake · CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Mussels, cockles and other shellfish, plus insect larvae and plant material.

Sea duck (dives in coastal waters) Medium (mallard-sized, 45–55 cm)

Sheltered coasts, bays and estuaries; inland lakes and reservoirs on passage.

Does not breed in the UK; nests on Arctic tundra in Iceland.

Winters around UK coasts, especially in the north and east.

Males give a soft "duct duct" display call.

Compare with close relatives.

Aythya fuligula

A smart black-and-white diving duck with a jaunty dangling crest, common on lakes and reservoirs.

Aythya ferina

A round-headed diving duck whose drake glows chestnut and silver on a winter lake.

Bucephala clangula

A striking black-and-white diving duck of lakes and coasts, famous for head-breaking courtship displays.

Netta rufina

A large, flamboyant diving duck with an orange crew-cut, a growing naturalised resident in England.