(Aythya affinis)
The little blue-bill, or lesser scaup, like its larger relative, is a
cosmopolitan species, and commonly met with in flocks of the other,
which has led to the common error of classing the two together, the
one as the elder and the other as the younger birds.
While in general color and markings they are very similar, there is
so much difference in their size that they should be easily
distinguished. With the males this is very easy for the head of the
larger species has a green sheen, the head of the lesser has a purple
sheen as shown in the sun. The bill of this species is more of a blue
and much smaller, being not over 1-1/2 inches in length.
=Color=--The color and markings are the same as the American scaup,
with the exception that the metallic sheen of the head, as already
mentioned, is purple.
=Nest and Eggs=--The same as the American scaup.
=Measurements=--Total length, about 16-1/2 inches; wing, 7-1/2,
and bill 1-1/2 inches.
[Illustration: RING-NECK (Aythya collaris)]