COMMON SCOTER. 243 



founded is more of a general than of a special character. 

 The nest, placed on an island, if such is to be had, is 

 merely a hollow lined with a little dry grass, sprigs of 

 heather, dead leaves, and similar refuse, and finished 

 off with a bed of down from the body of the female. 

 The bird sits closely, but when flushed flies right 

 away without manifesting concern for the safety of 

 the eggs. 



Range OF egg colouration and measurement.- 

 The eggs of the Common Scoter are from six to nine 

 in number, and pale grayish-buff or yellowish-white in 

 colour, smooth in texture, and with little polish. Average 

 measurement, 2*5 inches in length, by r8 inch in breadth. 

 Incubation, performed by the female, is said to last 

 about twenty-eight days. The eggs are covered for 

 concealment when left voluntarily by the female. 



Diagnostic characters : The eggs of the Common 

 Scoter cannot readily be confused with those of any 

 other s^Decies breeding in our area, their size and colour 

 combined distinguishing them. The eggs of the Goos- 

 ander resemble them in colour and size, but are heavier^ 

 whilst the colour of the down prevents any confusion. 

 The down tufts of the Scoter are large, brownish-gray 

 in colour, with pale centres ; that of the Goosander is 

 grayish-white. 



Until more reliable evidence is forthcoming, I must 

 decline to admit the Golden-Eye {Claiigula glaiicioii) 

 into a work which deals exclusively with species that 

 breed within the confines of the British Archipelago. 

 The bright green colour of the eggs, and the nest placed 

 in a hollow tree, will readily serve to distinguish them 

 whenever they may be fortunately discovered. 



