128 C. H. Merriam Birds of Connecticut. 



255. QEdemia fllSCa (Linne) Swainson. Velvet Scoter; White-winged 

 Coot. 



It is extremely abundant on the Sound during fall and spring, 

 some remaining through the winter. Arrives about the first of 

 October (Oct. 4, 1876) remaining till the middle of May (May 15, Os- 

 borne). Thousands of them visit the coast in October and November, 

 to feed on the small shells (chiefly Mactra lateralis) which the shal- 

 low muddy bottoms furnish in abundance. And in this connection 

 it may be stated that the alimentary canals of the sea ducks afford 

 the conchologist a rich collecting ground, often yielding unexpected 

 treasures. This is the largest of our ducks, and like the other mem- 

 bers of the genus, is generally considered unfit for the table, but 

 when properly prepared and well cooked they are by no means bad 

 eating. Though properly marine, it occurs on the Great Lakes in 

 winter. Dr. Wood has taken two specimens on fresh water near 

 East Windsor Hill, Conn. 



256. CEdemia perspicillata (Linne) Stephens. Surf Duck; Sea Coot; 

 Scoter. 



A common winter resident, being intermediate in numbers between 

 the two foregoing that is, it is neither abundant nor uncommon. 

 Arrives late in September or early in October, remaining till the 

 middle of April. Captain Brooks writes me that they are " common 

 through fall, winter and spring " in the vicinity of Faulkner's Island, 

 Conn. I saw one on the Sound as late as June 29th (1877), and I am 

 told that a few generally remain all summer, but they are probably 

 "pensioners" (wounded birds) and do not breed. 



257. Erismatlira mbida (Wilson) Bonaparte. Ruddy Duck. 



It is not rare during the migrations. Taken by Linsley at Strat- 

 ford, Conn. Found both on fresh and salt water. Mr. J. N. Clark, 

 of Saybrook, tells me that they are rather common about the mouth 

 of the Connecticut, but that full plumaged birds are very rare. Dr. 

 Crary tells me that one was shot on the Connecticut river, near 

 Hartford, Conn., in October, 1858. 



258. MergUS merganser Linne. Sheldrake; Merganser. 



It is common during migrations ; some probably wintering. Fre- 

 quents fresh water lakes and rivers in the interior, and is "found 

 occasionally about Guilford Harbor, Conn." (Capt. Brooks), but is not 



