Scaup identification help (1 Viewer)

[JWalck]

Ohh - yes, a scaup. This scaup was seen in Tennessee (USA). A group of us have called it a greater scaup, but it isn't clear-cut (as is many times with scaup). To us, it clearly isn't a lesser scaup but some other birds have suggested that it is. For now, I won't go into the traits that we feel lean towards greater vs lesser.
Here's a link with photographs: https://ebird.org/checklist/S101830...Z5t9N_Lh520kiLSlJlRREMeqwtP_F5ICjGNvUxR6PZAkE
Be great to hear from some other people.
Thanks, Jeff

 

[Evan Atkinson]

Quite difficult but I think Greater Scaup compared to lesser based on head shape being a bit too rotund for a lesser. Not entirely sure though.

 

[Butty]

For now, I won't go into the traits that we feel lean towards greater vs lesser.

It saves time if you do - then people can tailor their comments to address your issues from the outset.
Anyway . . . lesser scaup - rear head shape.

 

[D Halas]

It's a clear Greater Scaup, given the width of the nail on the tip of the bill, as seen in the third and fourth photos. There's nothing strongly indicative of Lesser Scaup about the shape of the head.

 

[Joern Lehmhus]

Looks better for greater scaup for me due to width of black nail, green on head reaching the crown, rather white flanks. rather round head shape .

 

[Richard D]

It looks like a Great to me from overall head shape and bill, but I struggle with ducks...

 

[JWalck]

Everyone - Thanks to you all for your input. I greatly appreciate it I'm going with greater.
Good birding, Jeff

 

[Prestdj]

It saves time if you do - then people can tailor their comments to address your issues from the outset.
Anyway . . . lesser scaup - rear head shape.

it looks nothing like a lesser scaup

anyway classic greater scaup

 

[qwerty5]

anyway classic greater scaup

I wouldn't say classic Greater, because the peak of the head looks to be at the rear, especially in the first picture. But Lesser wouldn't have this head shape either, and with all the other characteristics I agree that this bird is a Greater Scaup.

 

[birdmeister]

One other feature that put me towards Greater was the shape proportions next to Redheads. I've found that, even next to Ring-necked Duck, Lesser Scaup appears slightly smaller with a thinner neck and smaller head (regardless of shape). Redhead is noticeably larger and bulkier than Ring-necked, and I feel that this bird closely matches the adjacent Redheads in terms of head size and overall bulk.