BIRDS OF THE SEA 121 



grey. Back, rump, and tail-feathers — the central pair 

 being much elongated — black. Scapulars elongated, 

 and outer tail-feathers and under-parts white. Breast, 

 wing-coverts, and primaries blackish brown. Bill rose- 

 colour ; nail and basal portion black. Legs and feet 

 lead-colour ; webs blackish. Length 26 in. Female : 

 upper parts dark brown ; dull white stripe over eye ; 

 under parts white ; no long tail-feathers. Young, 

 similar. 



Language. — A loud, clear " our-o-u-ah." 



Habits. — Very marine when in these islands. It 

 dives, but takes most of its food from the surface. 

 -When swimming, the long tail is held aloft in its restless 

 and gambolling actions ; in flight the tail is depressed. 



Food. — Mollusca, Crustacea, sea-plants, &c. 



Nidification. — Breeds in Arctic regions. 



EIDER DUCK {Somateria molUssima). 



An uncommon visitor to the more southern coasts ; 

 commoner towards the north and in Scotland. Breeds 

 in the Fame Islands and other suitable localities in 

 Scotland. 



Haunts. — The sea. 



Plumage, — Crown and forehead black ; a white line 

 bisecting the crown and extending to the pale green 

 nape, and divided by another white line proceeding from 

 the green portion on either side of the neck. Cheeks, 

 back, and wing-coverts white. Secondaries yellowish 

 white. Primaries, rump, and tail blackish, with white 

 patch on either side of the tail. Breast rosy buff. 

 Belly black. Bill greenish, with wedge of black feathers 

 extending centrally towards nostrils. Legs and feet 







