CATALOGUE OF CANADIAN BIRDS. II3 



Barrow the majority of this species are paired by the middle of May, 

 and the flocks are made up of pairs flying alternately. Early in 

 June straggling pairs and small parties settle about the tundra pools 

 and breed sparingly in the neighbourhood of the station. (Murdoch.) 



This species is tolerably common in Franklin bay, where fully 200 

 eggs were procured between 1 862-1 865. The nest is similar to that 

 of the Pacific eider and when not disturbed] the female lays from 

 four to six eggs. In colour they are generally of a light shade of 

 olive-gray, and some are of a grayish-green. {Macfarlane.) On June 

 loth, 1905, Rev. C. E. Whittaker collected a set of the eggs of this 

 eiderj for me on Herschell island. The nest was built amongst 

 grassy hummocks along the sea beach. (Raine.) 



LXIII. OIDEMIA Fleming. 1822." 

 163. American Scoter. 



Oidemia americana. Swains. 1831. 



Obtained at the mouth of the Koaksoak river. Abundant in 

 Hudson strait and on the eastern shore of Labrador, where it is 

 reported to breed sparingly. (Turner.) Common on the Labrador 

 coast. (Bigelow.) Common throughout the year around New- 

 foundland. (Reeks.) A com.mon migrant in Nova Scotia. (Downs.) 

 An uncommon spring and autumn migrant at St. John, New Bruns- 

 wick. (Chamberlain.) Passed north at Lake Mistassini, Que., 

 May 15th, 1885. (/. M. Macoun.) Common in June, 1896, from 

 Cape Jones to Richmond gulf, Hudson bay. (Spreadborough.) 

 Fort Churchill, Hudson bay. (Wright.) Preble gives several 

 records for the west coast of Hudson bay. Not uncommon on the 

 Gulf of St. Lawrence and up the St. Lawrence and Ottawa rivers. 



Casual on Lake Ontario and lakes Huron and Erie. It is not 

 rare in Manitoba, but never breeds, passing to the north for that 

 purpose. We have no detailed account of its breeding grounds in 

 the east but believe they are around Hudson bay. Richardson says 

 this species frequents Hudson bay, breeding between the 50th and 

 60th parallels. INIacfarlane says itimdoubtedly breeds in the Ander- 

 son River country, although he never received any well authenticated 

 eggs. 

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