EKIDER DUCK 137 
patch of white in front of the eye, and a smaller one 
behind it. 
Adult winter, male and female.—Similar to the respective 
nuptial plumages. 
Immature, male and female—Resembles the female 
plumage, but “ more rusty-looking ’’ (Coburn). 
Brak. Bluish-black. 
Feet. Lead-colour. 
IRIDES. Orange-red. 
Kaa. Cream-colour: clutch, seven. 
AVERAGE MEASUREMENTS. 
TOTAL LENGTH ... ee ee Jie has 
WING Saat 
BEAK oe ee, 
‘TARSO-METATARSUS 1G ae 
Eae LED Seal UP( ita 
EIDER DUCK. Somateria mollissima (Linneus). 
Colowred Figures.—Gould, ‘Birds of Great Britain,’ vol. v, pl. 
26; Dresser, ‘ Birds of Europe,’ vol. vi, pl. 445; Lilford, 
‘Coloured Figures,’ vol. vii, pl. 52; Booth, ‘Rough Notes,’ 
Vols, pis. 6, 9; 10; 
The Eider Duck is an uncommon winter-visitor to the 
British Isles. However, along the north-eastern coast of 
England, and in certain districts in Scotland, where it is 
partially resident, it occurs in considerable numbers. On 
the Irish sea-board it is only a rare and an uncertain 
migrant in winter. 
' ,yIn its habits no Duck is more thoroughly maritime. 
Storm seldom dislodges it from its home on the deep, and 
even during the most dismal tempest, parties of Kiders may 
be seen, far out at sea, actively swimming and diving 
through the great rolling billows. Except in the nesting- 
season the Eider is seldom found on inland waters. Mr. 
Ussher, in ‘The Birds of Ireland,’ records two instances of 
its occurrence on Lough Neagh. This bird is not difficult 
to recognise on the open sea. Its superior size distinguishes 
