scaup

[ skawp ]

noun

1. any of several diving ducks of the genus Aythya, especially A. marila greater scaup, of the Northern Hemisphere, having a bluish-gray bill.

scaup

/ skɔːp /

noun

1. either of two diving ducks, Aythya marila ( greater scaup ) or A. affinis ( lesser scaup ), of Europe and America, having a black-and-white plumage in the male Also called (US)bluebillbroadbill

Word History and Origins

Origin of scaup¹

1665–75; by ellipsis from scaup duck, probably with Scots, N dial. scaup, scalp mussel bed (of uncertain origin)

Word History and Origins

Origin of scaup¹

C16: Scot variant of scalp

Example Sentences

In addition to Canada geese and mallards, in recent weeks Birky Pond has hosted hooded mergansers, bufflehead, redhead ducks, canvasbacks, northern shovelers, scaup and ring-necked ducks, to name a few.

From Washington Times

Close to 1,000 dead coot and lesser scaup have been found washed up on the shores near Genoa since October.

From Washington Times

One of the snails harbored the parasite that primarily kills coots and scaup, also known as bluebills.

From Washington Times

A DNR news release says the majority of birds were American coot and lesser scaup.

From Washington Times

Also spotted, but in fewer numbers, were snow geese, buffleheads, redheads, goldeneyes, American widgeon, ruddy, ring-necked, canvasbacks, scaup and wood ducks.

From Washington Times