122 MANUAL 



singly or in large flocks far from land (one to three miles), 

 where they sport in the water and feed at their pleasure at 

 regular intervals of the day and in the evening. They often 

 go about in immense flocks, feed together, and even breed in 

 colonies. They fly long distances, but usually their flight is 

 heavy. Their habits vary with the species throughout the 

 sub-family : Some prefer the sea far out, some in shore, some 

 the bays and inland parts of the estuaries, and a few are abund- 

 ant in wholly inland and even fresh waters. The lobate form 

 of the hind toe at once distinguishes the group, while both 

 feet and bill are usually larger and stronger than in the River 

 Duchs. The strong and compact " build " and size of this sub- 

 family are in striking contrast to the light, sioifi " build " of 

 the River Ducks. 



Genera, Fulix, The Blackhead or Scaup Ducks (3 allied species). 

 JEthyia, The Canvas-back and Red-head Duck. 

 Clangula, The Golden-ej'ed Ducks (3 allied species). 

 Harelda, The Long-tailed Duck. 

 Histrionicus, The Harlequin Duck. 

 Campiolcemus, The Labrador Duck. 

 Somateria, The Eider Ducks (6 species). 

 (Edetnia, The Scoter or Surf Ducks (4 or 5 species). 

 Erismatura, The Ruddy Duck. 

 Nomonyx, The St. Domingo Duck. 



Polysticta and Lampronetta seem to be fairlj- sub-genera of Somateria 

 proper ; the former being applied to Steller s Eider and the latter to the 

 Spectacled Eider. 



Melanetta for two varieties of Velvet Scoter, and Pelionetta for two 

 varieties of true Surf Ducks (species P. perspicillata and P. Trow- 

 bridgii), stand for true sub-genera. 



Erismatura seems tolerably constant. [There may be two species]. It 

 has been made a separate sub-family, and may be still entitled to such 

 consideration. 



JEthyia is not a sub-genera of Fullx, as some would seem to lead us to 

 suppose (also spelled Aythya), and Fulig^ila seems to be an old name for 

 most everything, [as was also Anas,'\ in the duck family-. The Canvas- 

 back has sometimes received the name of Aristonetta, as " Aristonetta 

 vallisneria, Baird," in Professor Baird's " Birds of North America,'' 

 (Ninth volume of the Pacific Railroad Report, p. 794). This name is a 

 genuine relic — a curiosity. On the previous page (793) Professor Baird 

 sas's, " should it be considered expedient [for reasons stated] to establish 



