scaup

American  

[skawp] / skɔp /

noun

1. any of several diving ducks of the genus Aythya, especially A. marila greater scaup, of the Northern Hemisphere, having a bluish-gray bill.

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scaup British  

/ skɔːp /

noun

1. Also called (US): bluebill.   broadbill.  either of two diving ducks, Aythya marila ( greater scaup ) or A. affinis ( lesser scaup ), of Europe and America, having a black-and-white plumage in the male

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Etymology

Origin of scaup

1665–75; by ellipsis from scaup duck, probably with Scots, N dial. scaup, scalp mussel bed (of uncertain origin)

Example Sentences

Also spotted, but in fewer numbers, were snow geese, buffleheads, redheads, goldeneyes, American widgeon, ruddy, ring-necked, canvasbacks, scaup and wood ducks.

From Washington Times • Feb. 15, 2015

There is a limit of ten to a bag on canvasback, redhead, scaup, ringneck, all teals, gadwalls and shovellers.

From Time Magazine Archive

I hefted the downed scaup in my right hand, awed by its size and beauty and by the scenery around me.

From Time Magazine Archive

Mallards, wigeon, scaup, buffleheads and mergansers are standard fare.

From Time Magazine Archive

The speculum of the American scaup, or larger blue-bill, is white, the head and neck showing a greenish sheen, quite pronounced in the sunlight.

From Game Birds and Game Fishes of the Pacific Coast by Payne, Harry Thom