69 



SCOTER. 



COMMON SCOTER. BLACK SCOTER. 



PLATE CXCIV. FIG. I. 



Anas nigra, . . . Pennant. Montagu. 

 Oidemia nigra, . . . Fleming. Selby. 



The nest of this Duck is described as being placed 

 by the side of water in the most unfrequented situations, 

 often far inland among brushwood or on stony ground; 

 and made of grasses, twigs, and the dry leaves and 

 stalks of plants, under the shelter of a willow or birch, 

 or in a tuft of herbage, the down of the bird itself 

 being made use of for lining. 



After the female has laid, the male birds collect 

 together in flocks, and repair to the coast. 



The eggs are from five or six, to seven or eight, or 

 nine, in number; — Thiencman says as many as ten, of 

 a pale buff colour, tinged with green. 



