Scaup Plumage

[Jim Buescher]

I photographed this greater scaup 2-22-14 on Lake Erie. Is it an immature male? If so, the few resources that I've checked state that immatures resemble adult females so I assumed that both male and female immatures would have white at the base of the bill? This time of year would rule out eclipse plumage I assume also.

[Sandy Witvoet]

I'd call this one a first winter Male... starting to show a "bit" of iridescence on the head, no sign of the (female) white patch at base of bill...just "scruffy enough" and more "brownish-bland" on the front than a female. (Plus, seems to be showing some distinctive black/white/gray flank colors.) I am not exactly sure when they molt, but from what I can see here... possibly in the next few weeks! Nice capture!

[Jim Buescher]

Thanks Sandy! There were quite a few scaups in the area but this was the only one in this plumage and I thought all the immatures would've molted by now.

[Paul Guris]

Looks like a transitional male to me. The head is coming in but it's still retaining the female type body plumage.

One thing to watch out for with molt timing is that some birds are accelerated and some can be delayed. Delays can occur due to low hormone levels, poor feeding, or illness. This can get positively brutal with gulls.

[Jim Buescher]

Thanks Paul. Wow, even in late February? He must've really been messed up!

[Paul Guris]

Thanks Paul. Wow, even in late February? He must've really been messed up!

Awwww. No, he's just a late bloomer.