LAMELLIROSTRAL SWIMMERS 



[iGi.] Velvkt Scoter. Oidemia fiisca. 



An Old World species that has accidentally oc- 

 curred in Greenland. 



160. WiiiTE-wixciEi) Scoter. Oidemia de^Jandi 



Range. — Abundant in North America, breeding 

 from Labrador, North Dakota and British Colum- 

 bia, northward. Wintering south to the Middle 

 States, southern Illinois and southern California. 



The largest of the Scoters, length 22 inches, 

 distinguished by a large white speculum on the 

 wing, also a white comet extending from under 

 the eye backwards. It also has a yellow eye. 

 Like the other Scoters, this species often feeds 

 in very deep water. They are strong, active div- 

 ing birds, and are also strong on the wing, gen- 

 erally flying close to the surface of the water. 

 Their flesh is not regarded as good eating, al- 

 though they are often sold for that purpose. They 

 nest on the ground, generally in long grass or 

 under low bushes making a coarse nest of 

 grasses, and sometimes twigs, lined with feathers. 

 They lay from five to eight eggs of a pale buff 

 color. Size 2.75 x 1.85. 



166. Surf Scoter. Oidemia perspicillata. 



Range. — Northern North America, breeding 

 north of the United States boundary, and winter- 

 ing south to Virginia and southern California. 



Tlie male of this species is entirely black, ex- 

 cept for the white patches on the forehead and 

 nape, and the vari-colored bill of black, white, 

 pink and yellow. They nest either along the 

 coast or in the interior, building a nest lined 

 with down, in the marsh grass bordering small ponds. They lay from five to 

 eight buffy cream colored eggs. Size 2.40 x 1.70. The females of all the 

 Scoters are a dingy brownish color, but show the characteristic marking of the 

 species, although the white is generally dull or sometimes mottled. Data. — 

 Mackenzie River, June 25, 1894. Six eggs in a nest of down on an island in the 

 river. 



C?^v 



Surf Scoter 



White-winged Scoter 



105 



