
The Greater Scaup differs from the Lesser Scaup in its rounder head, larger bill, and breeding habitat—it nests on large lakes in relatively open areas, overlapping with the northern edge of the Lesser Scaup’s range. The Audubon climate model shows a decrease in available summer climate space by 2080. However, over half of the currently available climate space in summer is predicted to be lost by 2050—a very rapid change that this species may not be able to adapt with. The winter prognosis is similar to that of many migratory waterfowl: a fairly substantial northward shift in range and more available areas with suitable climate.
68% of summer 2000 range is stable
26% decrease in summer 2080 from 2000 range
45% of winter 2000 range is stable
44% increase in winter 2080 from 2000 range
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