scaup ad nauseam

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Posted by Phil Pickering (208.46.229.61) on December 19, 2001 at 14:22:38:

Since Dave Fix asked, I should clarify that I have not seen a Greater with a very high obvious peak to the far hind-crown and pronounced forward slope to the majority of the crown - that would seem to fall within the "extreme tendency" category as diagnostic for Lesser. However, as stated I have seen Greaters show a head shape with the highest point of the crown noticeably behind the eye, and somewhat of a forward slope to the forward part of the crown. Additionally, in photos it looks like when Greaters flatten their crowns they may create a peak to the far hind-crown that may appear slightly higher than the fore-crown peak (although apparently never obviously higher as in extreme-shape Lesser). The "marble imbedded in the forehead" look typical of Greater isn't always obvious in photos either. Both species seem to have their "extreme-typical" head shapes, but there seems to be a lot of overlap in the middle, due to diving or other posture changes.

While I don't think the crown slope/peak position is definitive for the lower bird either way, I am starting to think Dave and Dave are correct in calling this bird a Lesser (figures!) After my photo study yesterday, I have a very strong impression that the bill is proportionately too small for a Greater. Additionally, the head seems somewhat narrow front to back for a Greater in any posture. The whole jizz (sorry) of the head and bill really seems compact and slight, I think better for Lesser. Am I correct in assuming that this is a mature female because the white at the bill base is so defined and solid? If so, the white seems quite restricted and narrow for a female Greater. The iris still seems somewhat pale for female Lesser, but not necessarily out of the range of how it can appear in photos with direct lighting. So, I'll complete my flip-flop and go with Lesser for the lower bird.

On the upper female, I have found photos of female Lessers showing a pale patch behind the eye, but never one this defined and conspicuous.

I've learned something, but I still hate scaup photos - I'm gonna go look at the jaeger again for relief.

Phil

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: Since Dave Fix asked, I should clarify that I have not seen a Greater with a very high obvious peak to the far hind-crown and pronounced forward slope to the majority of the crown - that would seem to fall within the "extreme tendency" category as diagnostic for Lesser. However, as stated I have seen Greaters show a head shape with the highest point of the crown noticeably behind the eye, and somewhat of a forward slope to the forward part of the crown. Additionally, in photos it looks like when Greaters flatten their crowns they may create a peak to the far hind-crown that may appear slightly higher than the fore-crown peak (although apparently never obviously higher as in extreme-shape Lesser). The "marble imbedded in the forehead" look typical of Greater isn't always obvious in photos either. Both species seem to have their "extreme-typical" head shapes, but there seems to be a lot of overlap in the middle, due to diving or other posture changes. : While I don't think the crown slope/peak position is definitive for the lower bird either way, I am starting to think Dave and Dave are correct in calling this bird a Lesser (figures!) After my photo study yesterday, I have a very strong impression that the bill is proportionately too small for a Greater. Additionally, the head seems somewhat narrow front to back for a Greater in any posture. The whole jizz (sorry) of the head and bill really seems compact and slight, I think better for Lesser. Am I correct in assuming that this is a mature female because the white at the bill base is so defined and solid? If so, the white seems quite restricted and narrow for a female Greater. The iris still seems somewhat pale for female Lesser, but not necessarily out of the range of how it can appear in photos with direct lighting. So, I'll complete my flip-flop and go with Lesser for the lower bird. : On the upper female, I have found photos of female Lessers showing a pale patch behind the eye, but never one this defined and conspicuous. : I've learned something, but I still hate scaup photos - I'm gonna go look at the jaeger again for relief. : Phil

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