Definition

Noun: 1. A species of diving duck: The greater scaup (Aythya marila) is a medium to large diving duck found across the Northern Hemisphere. 2. Distinctive physical characteristics: It is characterized in the male by a dark head with a greenish iridescence (a glossy, rainbow-like sheen), a black chest, a light grey back, and a white side. Females are predominantly brown with a white patch at the base of the bill.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • We spotted a flock of greater scaup diving for mollusks in the bay.
  • The male greater scaup is easily identified by the greenish sheen on its head.
  • Birdwatchers travel to the coast in winter to see the greater scaup.

Advanced Usage

• In ornithological context: The term is used precisely to distinguish from the very similar but smaller lesser scaup (). The shape of the head and the extent of the white wing stripe are key identification features for experts.
• "Greater scaup duck": While redundant, this phrasing is sometimes used in general communication to clarify the type of bird for a non-specialist audience.

Variants and Related Words

• Scaup (noun): The common name for diving ducks of the genus . "Greater scaup" is a specific type of scaup.
• Lesser scaup (noun): A closely related, smaller species of scaup duck () with a purplish iridescence on the male's head.
• Bluebill (noun): A colloquial name sometimes used for scaup ducks, referring to their bluish-grey bill.

Synonyms

• Bluebill (regional/colloquial)
• (scientific name)

Related Phrases

• Diving duck: This is the category or group to which the greater scaup belongs. It is not a phrasal verb but a descriptive term.
  • Like other diving ducks, the greater scaup submerges completely to feed.

Noun

1. large scaup of North America having a greenish iridescence on the head of the male