Lesser scaup
Aythya affinis
The lesser scaup (Aythya affinis) is a small North American diving duck that migrates south as far as Central America in winter.
About the Lesser scaup
The lesser scaup (Aythya affinis) is a small North American diving duck that migrates south as far as Central America in winter. It is colloquially known as the little bluebill or broadbill because of its distinctive blue bill. The origin of the name scaup may stem from the bird's preference for feeding on scalp—the Scottish word for clams, oysters, and mussels; however, some credit it to the female's discordant scaup call as the name's source. It is apparently a very close relative of the Holarctic greater scaup or "bluebill" (A. marila), with which it forms a superspecies. The scientific name is derived from Ancient Greek and Latin, with aithuia being an Ancient Greek term for an unidentified seabird, used by Hesychius and Aristotle, among other authors, and affinis, Latin for "related t
Fun Facts About Lesser scaup
- The origin of the name scaup may stem from the bird's preference for feeding on scalp—the Scottish word for clams, oysters, and mussels; however, some credit it to the female's discordant scaup call as the name's source.
- The lesser scaup (Aythya affinis) is a small North American diving duck that migrates south as far as Central America in winter.
- It is colloquially known as the little bluebill or broadbill because of its distinctive blue bill.
Conservation Status
The Lesser scaup is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. This species is currently stable and not at significant risk of population decline.
Taxonomy & Classification
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Aythya |
| Species | Aythya affinis |
Range & Habitat
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