These birds are incredibly fast in the air, capable of reaching flight speeds of approximately 75 mph (121 km/h) .

Both Greater and Lesser Scaup are famously known as "bluebills" because of their distinctive, pale blue-gray bills.

Mother Greater Scaups pluck thick layers of down from their own breasts to line their nests for warmth; if they are in poor health, they might use small grayish-white feathers from their body instead. Dan's Feathursday Feature: Lesser Scaup, Greater Scaup

Because they are so small and fluffy, they are naturally buoyant and often pop back up to the surface like a cork after just a few seconds, unable to stay submerged for long. Other Noteworthy Features:

In wetlands filled with tiny crustaceans (amphipods), Lesser Scaup often perform what looks like underwater somersaults to pick off the tiny creatures that get caught in their belly feathers.