The Wildlife of
Holy Island

 
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Ducks, Grebes and Coots - The Scaup

First seen on Thursday 9th November 2023 at Holy Island

There are two species of Scaup seen in the UK. This one is sometimes called the Greater Scaup, as the other species is called the Lesser Scaup. Scaups are not very common, but the Lesser Scaup is even more rare to see. The Scaup resembles a Tufted Duck, but lacks the tuft on the back of its head. Both have white sides but Scaups have pale backs compared to Tufted Ducks black backs. This one was on the Lough, north of the castle. This is a female Scaup, more of an overall brown colour, but has a white patch around the bill, and a pale ear patch. She is in eclipse, so her plumage is a bit subdued.