Lesser Scaup (female)
Aythya affinis
Andrew Haydon Park, Ottawa, Ontario
16 November 2008
Lesser scaup very closely resemble their cousin the greater scaup (A. marila). From a distance, it is virtually impossible to distinguish the two unless they are right next to each other. However, when viewed up close, the shape and size of the head and thickness of the beak can be helpful field markers in identification.
birdduckscauplesser scaupaythya affinis