159. 



NORTHERN EIDER 



Somateria mollissima borealis. 23 in. 



Base of bill extends on either side of forehead in a 

 point, a mark that will distinguish it from the next 

 and very similar species, in any plumage. The female 

 Eider presents a most remarkable difference in plumage 

 from that of the male, and, unlike the females of most 

 species, is a very handsome bird. 



Nest. Of grasses lined with down; concealed in tall 

 grass or under bushes; the 6 to 10 eggs are greenish- 

 drab (3.00x2.00); May, June. 



Range. Breeds on Labrador and Greenland coasts. 



AMERICAN EIDER 

 160. Somateria dresseri. 23 in. 



This is the Eider that is usually seen on the Atlantic 

 coast and is the only one that breeds south of Labra- 

 dor. The base of the bill, that encroaches on either side 

 of the forehead is rounded, and broader than that of 

 the last. They nest from Maine (rarely) northward, 

 and winter south to Long Island. 



