Birds in Nature - images of wild birds by Richard Ditch

Subject: Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis)
Place: Tempe, AZ, USA
Date: January 2003
Equipment: Nikon N90S, Nikkor AF-S 300/2.8 & TC20E (= 600/5.6), tripod
Film: Fuji Sensia 100
Exposure: Aperture priority matrix metered
Scan: Minolta Dimage, 70% of frame

Commentary: The Lesser Scaup is a widely distributed species in North America, breeding in the prairie states of the US and Canadian Provinces, and wintering almost everywhere else in the US. It is closely related to the very similar Greater Scaup; telling them apart is best done by the size of the nail (the black area at the tip of the bill). At a distance, the head shape and shade of green/purple, plus the relative brightness of the flanks are the best keys to separation. Both species often occur in mixed flocks with other Aythya ducks (Ring-necked and Redhead primarily).