An unusual avian visitor - more commonly seen in the USA and Canada - has been spotted at a Suffolk nature reserve after apparently migrating during the autumn storms.

The Lesser Scaup, a small diving duck with a distinctive blue bill, has been spotted by bird watchers at the RSPB Minsmere nature reserve near Saxmundham, adding to the approximately 3,500 species of wildlife at the site.

However, Ian Barthorpe, a spokesperson for the nature reserve, said the arrival of rare birds in the UK was usually dependent on weather conditions, more than other factors.

READ MORE: Suffolk: RSPB Minsmere could be UNESCO World Heritage site

East Anglian Daily Times: Ian Barthorpe, from RSPB Minsmere, said the Lesser Scaup were likely to have migrated during autumn stormsIan Barthorpe, from RSPB Minsmere, said the Lesser Scaup were likely to have migrated during autumn storms (Image: RSPB Minsmere)He believed the group of five birds seen at the site had previously been reported at Abberton Reservoir near Colchester.

"This year was exceptional with the amount and variety of rare birds because of the weather conditions, particularly the various hurricanes and tropical storms that have come across the Atlantic.

"They picked up these birds on their normal migration routes and dropped them on the wrong side of the Atlantic.

READ MORE: Rare bittern bird seen at RSPB Minsmere in Suffolk

"Another year, the storms might not be as intense, but this year's weather conditions have almost been like a perfect storm for migrant birds," Mr Barthorpe said.

The bird's unusual name - which is sometimes pronounced 'scoop' or 'scope' - is believed to originate from its preference for feeding on clams, oysters and mussels, which are collectively called 'scalp' by the Scottish.

East Anglian Daily Times: RSPB Minsmere is one of the most biodiverse locations in the UKRSPB Minsmere is one of the most biodiverse locations in the UK (Image: Archant)The species breeds in inland lakes and marsh ponds in tundra from western Canada to western Montana in the USA.

However, the birds are rarely seen in western Europe, with the first reported sighting in the UK in 1987 when a male Scaup was seen at Chasewater in Staffordshire.

READ MORE: RSPB Minsmere among world's best places to watch wildlife

Mr Barthorpe said as well as the birds, the nature reserve also boasts an array of other rare wildlife, including moths, butterflies, mosses, fungi and flowers.

He added: "The main thing that it highlights is the variety of habitats and the longevity of conservation management that has enabled Minsmere to be one of the most biodiverse locations in the UK."

READ MORE: Minsmere: White-tailed eagle spotted over Suffolk at RSPB reserve