Lesser Scaup vs King Eider

In short

The Lesser Scaup and King Eider are both diving ducks, but they differ significantly in habitat and plumage. The Lesser Scaup is typically found in freshwater environments, while the King Eider is a sea duck associated with Arctic marine habitats. In terms of plumage, male King Eiders are striking with their colorful heads, whereas Lesser Scaups have more subdued coloration.

Identification tips

1. Habitat: Check the environment; Lesser Scaups are in freshwater, King Eiders in marine settings. 2. Size and Shape: King Eiders are larger and more robust. 3. Male Plumage: Look for the distinctive colorful head of the male King Eider. 4. Female Plumage: Note the white patch at the base of the bill in female Lesser Scaups, absent in female King Eiders.

Size

King Eiders are larger and bulkier than Lesser Scaups.

Plumage

Male King Eiders have a distinctive colorful head with a black crown, pale blue face, and orange bill. Lesser Scaup males have a black head with a purple sheen, gray back, and white flanks. Female King Eiders are brown with a more uniform appearance, while female Lesser Scaups have a white patch at the base of the bill.

Behaviour

Lesser Scaups are often seen in freshwater lakes and ponds, diving for food, while King Eiders are more marine-oriented, diving for invertebrates in Arctic waters.

Habitat

Lesser Scaups are found in freshwater habitats across North America, while King Eiders breed in Arctic tundra regions and winter in the Bering Sea and other northern marine areas.