Lesser Scaup

About this Species

The Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis) is a medium-sized diving duck that breeds in the northern parts of North America and winters in southern parts of the United States, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. In the Yucatan Peninsula, the Lesser Scaup is a common winter visitor that can be found in a variety of wetland habitats, including lagoons, estuaries, and mangroves.

During the winter months, Lesser Scaups in the Yucatan Peninsula feed on a variety of aquatic invertebrates and small fish, which they dive for in shallow waters. They also use their broad bills to sift through mud and sediment for food. Males can be identified by their striking black and white plumage, while females have a mottled brown appearance.

Like many waterfowl species, Lesser Scaups face a number of threats, including habitat loss and degradation, hunting, and pollution. Conservation efforts in the Yucatan Peninsula are focused on protecting and restoring wetland habitats, reducing hunting pressure, and raising awareness about the importance of these birds to the ecosystem.