Lesser Scaup

Population Status
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Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

 

Diet

Lesser scaup dive underwater for crustaceans, mollusks, aquatic insects, fish, seeds, pondweeds, and other plants.

Habitat

Found in flocks in fresh and brackish wetlands and open bays.

Nesting

The female builds a nest on the ground either near or over water and lays 6-14 eggs. Chicks are able to dive underwater on their first day of hatching, staying under for just a moment.

Did you know?

As an adult, the lesser scaup is able to “play dead” when grasped by a predator, such as a fox.

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