BIRDS OF MASSACHUSETTS. 391 



breed in company with the eiders. Now they are seldom 

 found. 



The Surf Duck, Fuligula perspicillata, breeds in Labrador 

 and the regions of Hudson's Bay, and is seen, in spring, bend- 

 ing its course toward the north. On their return, some remain 

 here through the winter ; others extend their migrations as far 

 as Florida. They feed principally in the sea; and also resort 

 to shallows and beaches in search of small shell fish, for which 

 they are constantly diving. Their flesh is sometimes eaten, 

 but is not recommended. 



The Velvet Duck, Fuligula fusca, breeds in Labrador and 

 the fur countries, and after spending some time about the lakes 

 in those regions, returns to the south, and reaches us in Sep- 

 tember. It is a sea bird in all its habits ; but Nuttall has seen 

 it in Fresh Pond, in Cambridge. After breeding near the fresh 

 water lakes, it leaves them for the rest of the year, and prefers 

 the shores, where its usual food, shell-fish and other articles 

 which form the subsistence of sea-birds, always abounds. On 

 the coast, it is called the White-winged Coot ; its flesh, though 

 no great luxury, is in considerable demand. 



The American Scoter Duck, Fuligula Americana, comes 

 to us from the shores of Hudson's Bay, and, while here, asso- 

 ciates with the other sea ducks, living on similar food. Early 

 in November, it is found in Boston market, and the flesh of 

 the young is considered good. 



The Ruddy Duck, Fuligula rubida. breeds in the small 

 lakes of the fur countries, and returns to us in October, pro- 

 ceeding as far south as the limits of Florida. When it first 

 arrives, the young are unsuspicious, but the old are difficult to 

 approach. The females and young are seen in our ponds and 

 about tide waters, and many of them are sold in Boston, under 

 the name of Dim-Birds. 



