Lesser scaup by similar-looking "Aythya" hybrids. Except for hybrids between the two scaup species, the most reliable mark is the black bill-tip of hybrids, whereas in the scaups only the very point ("nail") of the bill is black. This is even recognizable at considerable range, as the scaups' bills appear uniformly grey from a distance, whereas those of hybrids look two-colored. European hybrids typically involve the tufted duck ("A. fuligula"), yielding offspring that have a small nape crest unlike any European "Aythya" species. Female and immature hybrids typically lack the white bill base, except in those between lesser scaup and ring-necked duck,
What Bird is That? friends, together with the succinct but compendious descriptive information, will place within easy reach of the bird lover, a most valuable "vade mecum" of bird and bush lore for out of doors as well as a thing of beauty for the library." Cayley’s aim in creating this work was to make available a book that would encourage and help people to learn about and appreciate Australia’s remarkable and unique bird life. He saw and responded to a need for a simple book that was accessible to the non-specialist birdwatcher. Each species was illustrated in colour and the birds were organised