176 THE NESTS AND EGGS OF 



The eggs of the Velvet Scoter are from five to eight or 

 nine in number, generally eight. They are smooth in 

 texture, with little polish, and pale grayish-buff in 

 colour. Average measurement, 2*8 inches in length 

 by r9 inch in breadth. Incubation is performed by the 

 female, but the duration of the period is unknown. 



Diagnostic characters : The size combined with 

 the colour is a pretty safe guide to the determination of 

 the eggs of this Scoter. They are larger than those of 

 the Common Scoter and the Surf Scoter. The down 

 tufts are also larger than the down tufts of the Common 

 Scoter : brown shot with gray, and with indistinct pale 

 centres. 



Family ANATID^. Genus Fuligula. 



Sub-family FULIGULIN^E. 



SURF SCOTER. 



Fuligula perspicillata {Lt?mceus). 

 (British : Rare nomadic autumn and winter migrant.) 



Single Brooded. Laying season, end of June and early July. 



Breeding area : Northern Nearctic region. The 

 Surf Scoter breeds in the Arctic and sub-arctic regions 

 of North America from the Atlantic to the Pacific, as 

 far north as lat. 70°, and as far south as lat. 50°. 



Breeding habits : Like most other Arctic Ducks, 

 the Surf Scoter appears at its breeding grounds in spring 

 with the break-up of the ice, and as summer bursts with 

 startling suddenness over the lonely forests and barrens. 

 It is a very gregarious bird during winter, and even in 

 summer, as soon as the females have scattered them- 

 selves over the suitable nesting grounds, the males begin 



