Species, Age and Sex Identification of Ducks Using Wing Plumage

Lesser Scaup

GIF-Usual patterns of flecking on scaup middle coverts

Wing Character	Male		Female
Wing Character	Adult	Immature	Immature	Adult
Scapulars	Heavily vermiculated; appear more white than black	Lightly vermiculated or flecked with white; appear more dark than white
Scapulars	Heavily vermiculated; appear more white than black	After molt: Similar to adult male	After molt: No obvious change
Tertials	Black, flecked to vermiculated with white; tips pointed and often drooping	Black, barely flecked to well vermiculated with white; tips usually frayed to sharp point	Black to very dark brown, without flecks of white; tips usually frayed to sharp point	Black to very dark brown; without flecks of white; tips usually bluntly pointed
Greater tertial coverts	Black, flecked to well vermiculated with white; broadly rounded	Black, usually without white flecking, rarely flecked to vermiculated; narrow toward frayed tips	Black, without flecking; narrow toward frayed tips	Black without white flecks; broadly rounded
Middle and lesser coverts	Black; all are well vermiculated with white	Black with large white flecks to small vermiculations recessed 1/8" from coverts' edge; often ragged and notched at tip	Black without white flecks; often ragged and notched at tip	Tips broadly rounded and smooth; coverts black with small white flecks concentrated at tips or plain

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