Wildlife - Species
Species Specific Regulations
Scaup
Licenses: Hunting License required. Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Federal Duck Stamp) that is validated by the hunter signing the stamp in ink across the face of the stamp
Limits: Please see Migratory Bird Regulations for any game zones restrictions or Limitations.
Scaup
(Aythya marila)
Description
Except for the wing marks, greater and lesser scaup
appear nearly identical in the field.
The light band near the trailing edges of the wings runs almost to the tip in the greater scaup, but only about half way in the lesser.
Average Size
Greater Scaups have an average length of 18 1/2 inches and an average weight of 2 pounds. Lesser Scaups have an average length of 17 inches and an average weight of 1 7/8 pounds.
Preferred Habitat
Greater scaup prefer large open water areas; lesser
scaup often use marshes and ponds.
Typical Flock Pattern
Wings
Migration
- Both species migrate late, sometimes just before freezeup.
- Flock movements are rapid, often erratic, usually in compact groups.
Miscellaneous
Hens are silent; drake lesser scaup purr; drake greater scaup have a discordant scaup, scaup.
Publications and Literature
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Federal Duck Stamp Office Presents: North American Waterfowl
South Carolina waterfowl hunters 16 and older are required by state law to obtain a state migratory waterfowl permit and Migratory Game Bird permit. Both permits must be in the hunter's possession while hunting or transporting legal waterfowl. A state waterfowl permit is included with the Lifetime Senior, Lifetime Gratis and Disability Licenses. S.C. residents who hold a Lifetime Senior or Lifetime Gratis License are not required to have a Migratory Game Bird permit.
National Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program (HIP)
The waterfowl permits and HIP permits are available from select DNR offices and from hunting and fishing license agents.
Dean Harrigal - Waterfowl Biologist
SCDNR
585 Donnelley Drive
Green Pond, SC 29446
Phone: 843-844-8957
Fax: 843-844-2525
E-mail: harrigald@dnr.sc.gov