Greater Scaup (Aythya marila), Whitewater Draw, Sulphur Springs Valley, Cochise County

This Greater Scaup was discovered by Stuart Healy on 7 December 2009 and photographed by Scott Olmstead on 27 December 2009.

Casual transient and winter visitor away from the Lower Colorado River where it is regular in good numbers in the winter.  .

Compared to Lesser Scaup, the head of this drake seems to show a peak at the forecrown rather than rear of head, the bill is very wide with extensive black, and the bill nail also appears large. The head shows a greenish gloss in the late afternoon light but this character is not reliable and is often shown by Lesser Scaup as well depending on the angle of the light.

27 December 2009, photo by Scott Olmstead