o 
DUCKS, GEESE, AND SWANS. 205 
distinguished from the Common Scoter by its very 
conspicuous white wing bar, and less observable 
white spot under the eye; otherwise it closely 
resembles it in general colouration. The Velvet 
Scoters that visit our seas are generally observed 
mixed with the gatherings of the Common Scoter. 
The habits of the two species are much alike in 
some respects, very different in others. Thus it 
exhibits the same skill in diving for food, and 
obtains it under very similar conditions ; its flight is 
equally rapid and well sustained; it seldom visits 
the land, and is, when on it, just as clumsy and 
waddling in its gait; its food is similar; its migra- 
tions take place at much the same periods. On the 
other hand, the Velvet Scoter is not such a strictly 
maritime species, being frequently found on inland 
waters, and even, during winter, is partial to wander- 
ing up tidal rivers and visiting lakes. Its breeding- 
places are also, as a rule, much farther from the sea, 
and the nest is not unfrequently found at long 
distances from any water at all. Odd pairs of this 
Scoter are occasionally met with in our area during 
the summer, and it has been suggested that the 
species even breeds within the British limits; no 
direct evidence, however, is forthcoming. 
This Scoter is a late breeder, its eggs not being 
laid before the end of June, or even early in July. 
Although migrating in flocks, the birds appear to 
separate into pairs as soon as the summer quarters 
ane-reached. ' The duck) and ‘drake keep. close 
