I70 THE NESTS AND EGGS OF 



as far north as lat 70°, and at high elevations on the 

 mountains of Southern Scandinavia. In the New World 

 it breeds as far north as lat. 70° from east to west, and 

 as far south as the Hudson Bay Territory. Whether it 

 breeds in Greenland is not yet determined. 



Breeding habits : The Scaup is a migrant, reaching 

 its Arctic breeding grounds with the break up of the ice 

 and the melting of the snow towards the end of May 

 or early in June. During winter this Duck is gregarious 

 enough, and even in summer continues sociable, many 

 pairs nesting within a small area and collecting at 

 certain spots to feed. This bird apparently pairs for 

 life. Its favourite breeding grounds are the tundras 

 near the lakes, which are fringed with rushes and grass, 

 and often surrounded with thickets of birches, junipers, 

 and willows. The nest is made upon the ground by the 

 water-side among willows and junipers, or on a bank 

 clothed with species of Ericaceae, and studded with tufts 

 of sedge and coarse grass. In Iceland it was found by 

 Proctor amongst large stones near the water's edge. It 

 is merely a hollow lined with dry grass, bits of sedge, 

 and withered leaves, but warmly finished off with down, 

 which increases in amount as the full clutch of eggs is 

 laid. The bird is a close sitter, waiting until the last 

 moment before quitting the eggs, which, however, are 

 carefully covered for concealment when left voluntarily. 



Range of egg colouration and measurement : 

 The eggs of the Scaup are from six to nine in number, 

 but where several females lay in the same nest, as is 

 sometimes the case. Dr. Kruper found as many as 

 twenty-two. They are pale greenish-gray, and smooth 

 in texture. Average measurement, 2*6 inches in length 

 by 1*7 inch in breadth. Incubation is performed by the 

 female, but the duration of the period is unknown. 



Diagnostic characters : The eggs of the Scaup 



