ii8 FAUNA AND FLORA OF PALESTINE. 



264. Qidcmia nigra. (Linn. Syst. Nat. i., p. 196) Common Scoter. 



I have noticed a flock of Black Scoter in winter more than once, close 

 under Carmel, on the sea. I felt certain they were of the common species, 

 but it has been suggested to me that more probably they were the Black 

 Scoter, yet were it so I could scarcely have failed to observe the white 

 speculum. 



Both Scoters are natives of Northern Europe and Asia, and rarely go 

 so far south as Palestine in winter. 



265. Erisniatura Icncoccphala. (Scop. Ann. I. Hist. Nat., p. 65.) 

 White-headed Duck. 



The White-headed Duck may be seen at any time of the year on the 

 Lake of Galilee and on Huleh, swimming and diving with its tail upright. 

 It probably breeds in the recesses of Huleh, certainly nowhere on the 

 Lake of Galilee. 



It inhabits lagoons and lakes in Southern Europe and North Africa, 

 as well as Asia Minor and Syria, and has been found as far eastward as 

 Turkestan. 



266. Jllcrgus serrator. Linn. Syst. Nat. i., p. 20S. Red-breasted 

 Merganser. 



The Merganser is common on the coast in winter. 



It is a native of North Europe, Asia, and America, descending in 

 winter as far as North Africa, North China, and the Southern United 

 States. 



267. Mei-gus albellus. Linn. Syst. Nat. i., p. 209. Smew. 



I obtained one specimen on the coast near Carmel. 

 The Smew is a native of Northern Europe and Asia, ranging in 

 winter to the Mediterranean, North India, and North China. 



