120 BIRDS OF THE BRITISH E^H^IRE. 



rather in the north than any other part. The food is the 

 same as that of the other ducks, but obtains most of it by 

 diving. 



The ef^gs are from twelve to fifteen in number, of a 

 whitish buff colour. 



These birds are readily domesticated, antl pair among 

 themselves, as well as with allied species, very freely. 

 They are strong swimmers and good divers, keeping under 

 water for a long time. They also fly well. 



Golden-Eye. — This duck has a dark, horn-coloured bill, 

 at the lower part of the base of which is a inuud white 

 spot ; the rest of the head, which is large and round, and 

 the upper part of the neck are steel blue ; the back and 

 upper tail coverts are blackish blue, with a metallic gloss ; 

 the under ])arts are pure white, except the sides of the bell}', 

 which are thickly spotted with black ; the tail and the 

 flights are dark grey, but the wing coverts and part of 

 the secondaries are white ; the legs and toes are greyish 

 yellow, but the webs are black. The female is browner, 

 and her breast is flecked with grey. Length, .1 foot 7 

 inches. 



Ti)e golden-eye is a winter visitor onh', bleeding in Lap- 

 land and other northern parts. 



The eggs are said to be about fourteen in r.umber, and 

 to have a greenish hue. 



Scoter, or Common Scoter. — The bill is lilack, with a 

 spot of orange surrounding the nostrils ; the whole of the 

 plumage is black, with green and blue reflections. The 

 female is greyer. Length, 1 foot 6 inches. A winter 

 visitor only. 



Eider Duck. — Bill greenish grey ; top of head black ; 

 face white ; back of head bluish grey ; back of neck to 

 between shoulders grey; back and upper wing coverts 

 white ; the side feathers are long, and hang below the 



