Greater Scaup Bird Details
Aythya marila
Greater Scaup,Black Scoter, Common Scaup;
Kala Battakh
Linnaeus, 1758
Anseriformes (DUCKS)
Anatidae
Aythya
- Europe, Asia, North America, Canada, The United States, Russia and Scandinavia.
- India(Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh)
Appearance :
Males have a distinctive black head and neck, white sides, and a black back. Females are mostly brown with a lighter-colored head and a slightly darker crown. Both sexes have a characteristic round head and a distinctive sloping forehead.
Behaviour :
Typically found in flocks, especially during migration and winter. They are known to be sociable and often mix with other duck species. Mating pairs are formed in the breeding season, but outside of that, they remain in groups.
Habitat :
Prefer freshwater and brackish lakes, ponds, and marshes. During migration, they can also be found in coastal waters and estuaries.
Diet :
Omnivorous; primarily feeds on aquatic plants, seeds, and invertebrates. They dive underwater to forage for food.
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
Breeds in the northern parts of North America, Europe, and Asia. Winters in southern regions including the southern United States, Mexico, and parts of Europe.
Population Size :
Estimated populations are in the millions.
Life Span :
Typically around 10 to 15 years in the wild.
Body And Tarsus:
- Body: The Greater Scaup has a robust, streamlined body, well-suited for diving and swimming.
- Tarsus Length: Approximately 5.5 to 6.5 cm (2.2 to 2.6 inches).
Head And Bill :
- Head: The male has a striking black head with a greenish sheen, while the female's head is brown with a darker crown. Both sexes have a rounded head shape.
- Eyes: Bright yellow in males, while females have dark brown eyes, which are set high on the head.
- Bill: Broad and slightly rounded, adapted for filter feeding.
- Bill Length: Approximately 4.5 to 5.5 cm (1.8 to 2.2 inches)
Length :
Ranges from 40 to 50 cm (15.7 to 19.7 inches).
Neck :
Relatively short compared to other diving ducks, with a gentle slope in males.
Size :
Medium-sized duck, larger than the Lesser Scaup, with a more robust build.
Tail Details :
- Tail: Short and pointed, often held at an angle.
- Tail Length: Approximately 10 to 12 cm (4 to 4.7 inches).
- Feathers: Males have glossy black and white plumage, while females are brown and mottled for camouflage.
Weight :
Males typically weigh between 700 to 1,200 grams (1.5 to 2.6 lbs), while females weigh slightly less, around 600 to 1,000 grams (1.3 to 2.2 lbs).
Wing :
Long and pointed wings, allowing for strong, swift flight.
Wing Span :
Ranges from 80 to 90 cm (31.5 to 35.4 inches).
Facial Feature :
Males have a distinctive rounded head with a sloping forehead and bright yellow eyes, while females have a more subdued coloration with a lighter face.
Nest Details :
- Nest: The nest is a shallow depression built on the ground, often situated near water.
- Nest Made Up Of: Composed of grasses, sedges, and down feathers for insulation.
Breeding Season :
Typically from late April to early July.
Nesting Season :
Typically occurs from late April to early July.
Egg Color :
Eggs are typically cream to pale green.
Egg Length :
Approximately 5.5 to 6.5 cm (2.2 to 2.6 inches).
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: Around 3.8 to 4.2 cm (1.5 to 1.7 inches).
- Egg Weight: Approximately 40 to 50 grams (1.4 to 1.8 ounces).
Clutch Size :
Generally consists of 8 to 10 eggs.
No. of Broods :
Typically one brood per breeding season.
Incubation Period :
Lasts about 25 to 30 days.
Nestling Period :
Young scaup typically leave the nest within a day or two after hatching.
Vocalization :
The vocalizations of Greater Scaups include a variety of quacks and whistles.
Sex Demorphism :
Males are more brightly colored with a glossy black head and white sides, while females are predominantly brown and mottled, which aids in camouflage.
Migration Details :
- Migration Pattern: Greater Scaups are migratory birds, moving between breeding and wintering grounds.
- Migration Period: They typically migrate south in the fall (August to November) and return north in the spring (March to May).
- Migration Route: Migration routes vary depending on the population but generally include routes from northern breeding grounds in North America and Eurasia to wintering areas in the southern United States, Mexico, and parts of Europe.
