The migrant lesser scaup is a common winter visitor to the Hawaiʻi. This diving duck sifts through mud to feed on shellfish and underwater vegetation. It averages 15-19 inches in length and is just a little smaller than the similar looking greater scaup. Males have a dark head with a purple sheen on a white body and females are brown with a white forehead. Both have bluish bills.

The map below shows hotspots along our birding trails where you might see this bird. Learn more by visiting our species profile page for lesser scaup.