Lesser Scaup
Photo by: Davefoc
Good times to observe
Description
The adult male lesser scaup has a black head and neck, with the head appearing iridescent shiny purple in good light. The head profile shows something of a point in its back half. Its belly and flanks are white and its back is gray, palest toward the front. The adult female is mainly brown, palest and grayest on back and flanks. The white belly is seen in flight. A white area surrounds the base of her bill. Both sexes are 15.4-18.1 inches long with a wingspan of 26.8-30.7 inches.
DuPage County Notes
Lesser scaup frequently appear in small, usually mixed-gender groups on DuPage County lakes and rivers during migration. They are diving ducks, feeding on aquatic invertebrates and some plant foods.
Preserves where you might see this species
Blackwell, Cricket Creek, Danada, East Branch, Herrick Lake, Mallard Lake, Meacham Grove, Mayslake, Pratts Wayne Woods, Springbrook Prairie, Spring Creek Reservoir, Songbird Slough, James "Pate" Philip State Park, Waterfall Glen, Wood Dale Grove
