cywong

Are both of them female Greater Scaups? They look slightly different.

Mai Po, 16/01/2010

kkoel

I would agree with you - they both have large "cotton balls" on the cheek, extending to the lower forehead, which seems to be the hallmark of female Scaups.

cywong

Thank you very much for your reply.

lpaul

Note also the greyish mantle and flanks, the very rounded head, the diffuse dark tip to the bill, the pale spot on the cheeks and the broad bill - all classic female Scaup features.  Important to check other features as some female Tufted Duck show extensive white on the head like these birds.

cywong

Many thanks to Paul for the detailed explanation which is very useful.