Aythya marila
Length: 15-22 Weight: 1.5-3 lbs
Identification:
Male has a black head, breast, and rear with white belly and grayish back. Female is dark brown with white accent behind bill. Compared to Lesser Scaup, has more rounded head, with peak closer to front when relaxed
Distribution:
Summer resident in far northern Alaska and Canada. Winter resident along mostly coastal US and Canada.
Cool Facts:
The scientific name marila comes from the Greek word for charcoal embers or coal dust.
Older female scaup may achieve dark head feathering similar to males, but will always retain the white patch behind their bills.
Make your own bird cookies!
References:
Bird on the Move 