SCAUP
Aythya marila
DESCRIPTION
Scaup (Aythya marila) is commonly known as the Greater Scaup and is a medium-sized diving duck. It has a distinctive rounded head, a stout body, and a bill that is broad and flat, which is characteristic of its feeding habits. These ducks are often found in large flocks on open water, where they dive to forage for food, showcasing their adept swimming and diving abilities.
FUN FACTS
- Scaup are known for their impressive diving abilities, often reaching depths of up to 5 meters in search of food
- They can hold their breath for over a minute while underwater, showcasing their adaptation to an aquatic lifestyle.|During migration, Scaup can travel long distances, sometimes flying over 1,000 miles non-stop
- Their migratory patterns are influenced by weather conditions and food availability, making them highly adaptable birds
QUICK INFO
Lifespan10-15 years in the wild
Average Weight700-1,200 g
Average Length40-50 cm
Diet TypeOmnivore
Social Structuregroup — they are often found in large flocks, especially outside the breeding season.
Activity PatternDiurnal
Breeding SeasonSpring (April-June)
- Habitat
- Scaup inhabit freshwater and saltwater lakes, bays, and coastal areas, often preferring deeper waters for foraging. They are also found in wetlands during the breeding season.
- Biomes
- Wetlands, Coastal
- Native Range
- Scaup are found across North America, Europe, and parts of Asia, migrating between breeding and wintering grounds.
- Continent
- North America, Europe, Asia
- Countries
- United States, Canada, Russia, Norway, Sweden
- Diet
- Scaup primarily feeds on aquatic plants, seeds, and invertebrates, often diving underwater to forage. They are known to consume a variety of food items depending on availability.
- Diet Type
- Omnivore
- Favorite Food
- aquatic plants, seeds, invertebrates
- Social Structure
- group — they are often found in large flocks, especially outside the breeding season.
- Activity Pattern
- Diurnal
- Group Size
- 20-100
- Territorial
- 0
LC
CR
700-1,200 g
Weight
40-50 cm
Length
- Coloration
- Males have a glossy green head, white body, and black breast, while females are mottled brown with a lighter face.
- Sexual Dimorphism
- Males are more brightly colored than females, which are more camouflaged.
- Lifespan
- 10-15 years in the wild
- Offspring per Birth
- 6-12
- Sexual Maturity
- 1 year
- Breeding Season
- Spring (April-June)
LC
Least Concern
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The population of Scaup is currently stable, although some local declines have been noted.
- Wild Population Estimate
- 1,000,000-2,000,000
- Population Trend
- Stable
- Endangered
- 0
- Threats
- Main threats include habitat loss due to wetland drainage and pollution, as well as hunting pressures. Climate change also poses a risk to their breeding habitats.
- Predators
- Common predators include foxes, raccoons, and various birds of prey such as eagles and hawks.
- Defense Mechanisms
- Scaup rely on their ability to dive quickly to escape predators, as well as their social behavior to stay alert in groups.
- Compatible Animals
- other waterfowl, such as ducks and geese
- Found in Zoos
- Uncommon