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.