144 BRITAIN^S BIRDS AND THEIR NESTS. 



its breeding haunts, except in those seas which become ice- 

 bound in winter. In southern Britain it is therefore a 

 rather uncommon winter visitor. On the Northumbrian 

 coast and the Fame Islands, hoAvever, it is a familiar 

 breeding species. Northward along the Scottish coast it is 

 found in suitable localities up to the Shetland Islands. 

 On the west coast, from Argyll to the Outer Hebrides, 

 it is increasing in numbers ; but to Ireland, despite the 

 nearness of the northern part of that country to some of 

 its haunts, its visits are strangely infrequent. 



The drake's plumage is a brilliant contrast in black and 

 white, the under-parts, the wing-tips, the tail, and the crown 

 being mostly black. The white of the breast is suffused 

 with buff, and that of parts of the head with pale green — 

 characteristics not noticeable at any distance. This plumage 

 is worn for the greater part of the year ; but soon after the 

 eggs are laid the wearer's annual moult takes place, and he 

 deserts his mate and flies out to sea, where he is joined by other 

 drakes in the same case as himself. For a time he remains 

 in ' eclipse,' and his plumage is mostly dark all over, with 

 lighter patches on the upper-parts. The ordinary plumage 

 of the young drake is somewhat similar to this ' eclipse ' 

 plumage. It is probable that the Eider-Duck does not 

 breed mitil its third year, and flocks of immature birds may 

 be observed off our coasts in summer at some distance from 

 any nesting haunt. The duck is of a dull brown colour 

 all over. This species is one of the largest of the Ducks, 

 and appears rather clumsy on land. It is, however, strong 

 on the wing, and of course exceedingly expert in the water. 

 It obtains its food — molluscs, crustaceans, &c. — by diving. 



In Scotland laying may begin in the first week of May, 

 but it is not until the end of the month that incubation 

 becomes general. The eggs are usually light green, but 

 there is also a rather brownish type ; they are usually said 



