• East view from Crissy Field overlook with old Coast Guard station on left and city on right

    Presidio of San Francisco

    California

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    The Presidio Coastal Trail segment just north of the Pacific Overlook and adjacent to Lincoln Blvd remains CLOSED indefinitely. We have posted signage to alert bicyclists and hikers and with information for safe trail alternatives. More »

Greater Scaup

(Aythya marila)
 
Greater Scaup
A male Greater Scaup on left and female on right swim at Crissy Marsh.
Will Elder, NPS
 

Natural History: The Greater Scaup dives primarily for mollusks and other aquatic invertebrates but also feeds on aquatic plants, especially in freshwater environments. In the winter it can be seen in small to large flocks. It nests in depression in mash grass in the arctic.

General Distribution: In the Presidio, this species can be found in salt and fresh water environments.

Frequency: This animal is commonly seen in the fall, spring and winter; it breeds in the arctic in the summer.

Identifying Characteristics: The males of this species have a black head and chest and white underside. The females have a dark head with a white patch in front of the bill, and a rusty color chest and dusky brown body. The bills are bluish. The head is more smoothly rounded than that of the Lesser Scaup.

Presidio Birds main page

Did You Know?

San Francisco Campion, a rare plant found in the Presidio

Thirteen plants found at the Presidio have been designated as rare, threatened, or endangered by the United States Fish & Wildlife Service and/or the California Native Plant Society.