DIVING-DUCKS 



30 1 



up the same day, and nearly all within twenty-four 

 hours." 



Scaup also appear to be some years in attaining- the 

 full plumage of maturity. The young - drakes, on first 

 arrival in October, show the full white front characteristic 

 of the adult female. This they gradually lose, and by 

 November, the whole head (including the white front) 



Young Scaup-Drake. (November.) 



is spotted with black feathers : while by December the 

 latter colour predominates. Young" scaup-drakes shot 

 early in January have a full black head, only the faintest 

 traces of the white then remain ; but the tone is dullish 

 black, only slightly glossed with green, and lacking the 

 beautiful glossy reflections of bottle-green and purples 



