138 DUCKS. 



2. VELVET SCOTER, M. fusca. Differs from 1 in hav- 

 ing the feathering on base of bill less extended and the bill 

 Fig. 164. Fig. 165. 



N, C, 1, 1. 1-10. N, C, k, 1. 1-10. 



is not as brightly colored. Northern Old World ; accidental 

 in Greenland. 



1. White-capped Scoters. Pelionetta. 



Black, with white markings on top of head; bill, consid- 

 erably swollen at base and brightly colored. 



1. SURF SCOTER, P. PERSPiciLLATA. 20.00; bill, 1.70; 

 white triangle on top of head, another on nape, arranged base 

 to base ; bill with square black spot at base of upper mandi- 

 ble margined with reddish-orange, in front of this is a bluish- 

 white spot, followed by orange, then dusky at tip ; under man- 

 dible, pinkish ; iris, yellowish-white ; feet, reddish-orange, fig. 

 164. Female, brown with whitish patch at base of bill, and on 

 sides of head; bill, black. Range and migration, similar to 

 k, 1, but does not breed quite as far south. Abundant. Nests, 

 placed on the ground ; eggs, greenish-buff. This and the two 

 preceding species associate together, sometimes bedded in 

 large flocks on the ocean and at other times in smaller num- 

 bers in bays, mouths of rivers, etc. All fly into the tide rivers 

 to feed on mollusks which have beea exposed by the falling 

 water, and out again during flood tide. Inflight small flocks 

 often move close to the surface and usually in line, one be- 

 hind the other, large flocks rise higher and move in irregular 

 masses. 



