The greater scaup, just scaup in Europe or, colloquially, "bluebill" in North America, is a mid-sized diving duck, larger than the closely related lesser scaup and tufted duck. It spends the summer months breeding in Iceland, east across Scandinavia, northern Russia and Siberia, Alaska, and northern Canada. During the winter, it migrates south to the coasts of Europe, eastern Asia, and North America.
Region
Holarctic (Northern Hemisphere)
Typical Environment
Breeds across subarctic and arctic lowlands from Iceland and northern Scandinavia east through northern Russia and Siberia, and in Alaska and northern Canada. In winter it migrates to temperate coasts of the North Atlantic and North Pacific, including Europe, East Asia, and both coasts of North America, as well as large inland waters like the Great Lakes. Prefers broad, shallow tundra lakes for breeding and brackish bays, estuaries, and sheltered marine waters in winter. Large staging concentrations occur on big inland lakes during migration, and flocks may forage well offshore where prey is abundant.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Often called “bluebill” for its bluish-gray bill, the greater scaup forms huge winter rafts that can number in the thousands on sheltered coastal waters. Males show a greenish gloss on the head and a bright white wing stripe that extends into the primaries, a key field mark separating it from the lesser scaup. It is a powerful diver that specializes on mollusks in winter but also takes aquatic invertebrates and plants. Populations have shown regional declines linked to habitat change and coastal pollution.
Egg, Collection Museum Wiesbaden
Flock feeding in Tokyo bay, Japan
Greater scaup decoys, male on the left and female on the right. Each is attached to a lead weight.
Temperament
social and gregarious
Flight Pattern
strong flier with rapid, direct wingbeats
Social Behavior
Forms very large rafts on wintering grounds, often mixing with other diving ducks. Pairs form on wintering areas and migration, with nesting on the ground near tundra lakes and ponds. Clutches are typically medium to large, and females provide most parental care.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Generally quiet; males give soft, whistled notes during courtship. Females produce harsher, nasal quacks and grunts, especially when alarmed or near the nest.
