o:demia nigra. 205 
287. Glaucion clangula (Linn.). The Golden-eye, 
All to be stated regarding this northern species is that it 
rarely occurs about the Straits in winter. Irides golden yellow. 
Total length of male 19 inches. 
288. Erismatura leucocephala (Scop.). The White- 
headed Duck. 
" This species occurs near Tangier on passage, passing north 
during April and returning to winter further south in October. 
Some of the spring migrants remain in the country to breed 
in June, laying as many as ten pure white eggs, with a rough 
granulated surface. This Duck is not at all regular in its ap- 
pearance, but in some seasons is quite common." — Favier. 
The White-headed Duck is found chiefly on the coast and 
on large lakes, and occurs near Cadiz, no doubt breeding in 
the country, though I never personally met with it on the 
Spanish side of the Straits. 
The white face of the adults, and the long pointed stiff" black 
tail-feathers, of this species will sufficiently distinguish it from 
any other of the European Anatidce. 
Total length 17 to 18 inches. 
289. CEdemia NIGRA (Linn.). The Common Scoter. 
Moorish. Bourk-el-behar (Sea-Duck) . 
Favier states that the Scoter is " found in abundance near 
Tangier, arriving sometimes as early as August, retiring 
northwards in April." 
I found this Duck in some seasons very common about the 
Straits, especially after rough weather in Gibraltar Bay ; but 
they do not appear except in small lots. The earliest noticed 
was on the 12th of November ; the latest on the 12th of March, 
1872. 
The males are entirely black, except the upper part or ridge 
of the bill, which is yellow ; the females are of a blackish 
brown colour. The immature birds have the cheeks, side, 
and front of the neck greyish white, with white spots on the 
underparts. 
Total lene-th about 22 inches. 
