BIRDS OF THE SEA 123 



Language. — Male utters a harsh " karrr " ; also low 

 whistling kind of cry. 



Habits. — When swimming it rather reminds one of the 

 Grebes, and is also much like the Cormorant in the way 

 in which it submerges the body. An expert diver, it 

 pursues and captures its finny prey under water, remain- 

 ing submerged some considerable time. 



Food. — Fish exclusively. 



Nest. — May. One brood. 



Site. — In a hole in a tree- trunk or under rock. 



Materials. — Dry grass, weeds and moss, lined with 

 greyish white down. 



Eggs. — Eight to thirteen. Creamy white. 



RED-BREASTED MERGANSER {Mergus senator). 



A common winter visitor on our coast-lines, usually 

 preferring tidal waters. In Scotland, resident and breed- 

 ing on fresh-water lochs. Also breeds in Ireland. 



Observation. — Distinguish from last by spotted appear- 

 ance of lower neck, and rather less white in the whole 

 plumage. 



Plumage. — Head, crest, and upper neck dark green » 

 collar white ; a black line running through same on the 

 nape to back, which is also black ; outer scapulars white ; 

 inner ones black. Rump, flanks, and tail-coverts ver- 

 miculated with grey. Speculum white, barred with 

 black. Lower neck pale chestnut, streaked with black ; 

 under parts white. Bill red and serrated. Legs and 

 feet orange-red. Length 24 in. Female : smaller and 

 duller, somewhat resembling female of last species, but 

 much smaller ; head and neck reddish brown ; distinct 

 black bar on wings. Young, like female. 



