Scaup -

Both Greater and Lesser Scaup are famously known as "bluebills" because of their distinctive, pale blue-gray bills.

One of the most interesting features of scaup —specifically the —is the "eager" behavior of their chicks. Unlike many other ducks, Lesser Scaup chicks are incredibly precocious: as soon as their downy feathers dry after hatching, they immediately jump into the water and start testing their diving skills. Both Greater and Lesser Scaup are famously known

In wetlands filled with tiny crustaceans (amphipods), Lesser Scaup often perform what looks like underwater somersaults to pick off the tiny creatures that get caught in their belly feathers. In wetlands filled with tiny crustaceans (amphipods), Lesser

Mother Greater Scaups pluck thick layers of down from their own breasts to line their nests for warmth; if they are in poor health, they might use small grayish-white feathers from their body instead. Dan's Feathursday Feature: Lesser Scaup, Greater Scaup Other Noteworthy Features: These birds are incredibly fast

Because they are so small and fluffy, they are naturally buoyant and often pop back up to the surface like a cork after just a few seconds, unable to stay submerged for long. Other Noteworthy Features:

These birds are incredibly fast in the air, capable of reaching flight speeds of approximately 75 mph (121 km/h) .

They are highly social and form huge flocks on the water called "rafts," which can sometimes number in the thousands.