Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis)
Geese & Ducks
Casual
Lesser Scaup, male - Lake Forest, CA © Tom Benson
The Lesser Scaup is a casual visitor to campus: up to four were seen on 18 Feb-24 Mar 2012 in the flooded basins around Badger Hill. It is a common winter visitor throughout southern California where it can be found on deep water ponds, lakes, and reservoirs.The adult male Lesser Scaup can be identified by its iridescent purple head and neck, black breast and rump, and pale gray body. Females are entirely brown with white around the base of the bill.