434 THE GAME BIEDS AND WILD FOWL 



of the bill, instead of almost as far. 8. v-nigrum, an inhabitant of the coasts of 

 East Siberia, the islands of Behring Sea, and the coast of Alaska. The Pacific 

 representative of the Common Eider, closely allied but apparently specifically 

 distinct. It differs from the Common Eider in being a larger bird, and in having 

 a very distinct V-shaped mark on the throat, in this particular showing a close 

 affinity with the King Eider. The Nearctic Eider Ducks have been separated 

 from the typical Old World form under the name of S. borealis, but the slight 

 differences, if constant, do not appear to warrant specific distinction. 



Habits. This beautiful Duck is probably the most maritime of its family, 

 and, except in the breeding season, spends nearly all its time on the sea. So 

 closely is it attached to the sea, so thoroughly " sea-faring " in its habits, that it 

 rarely flies overland at all except to its nest, and prefers to follow a winding coast 

 line rather than to cross even the narrowest of promontories. The Eider is 

 practically a sedentary species, only wandering south a little way from its 

 summer haunts either in quest of food or in prolonged severe and stormy weather. 

 It loves the wild, rock-bound coasts, especially where plenty of precipitous 

 islands occur and the shore line is broken up into sheltered bays and fiords. 

 Sometimes it may be seen standing on the rocks close to the water's edge, but 

 usually it keeps well out to sea, and even sleeps on the water. At all times 

 it is more or less gregarious, although never congregating into the vast flocks 

 that many other sea Ducks do. It is generally observed in parties, in summer 

 and winter alike, for the drakes swim in company whilst the ducks are incubating 

 on shore, and when the latter come to the sea to feed all join into a scattered 

 company. In summer the female Eiders are remarkably tame and confiding, but 

 in winter they are wary enough, and at all times of the year the males are 

 difficult birds to approach. The food of the Eider consists of minute marine 

 insects, crustaceans, and shell-fish, especially mussels and small crabs. Most of 

 this food is obtained by diving, the bird being remarkably expert at this, 

 descending to considerable depths and remaining a long time under the surface. 

 The Eider loves to draw shorewards with the flowing tide, and to swim just 

 outside the breakers. It is most interesting to watch this bird swim clean 

 through each mighty wave just before it turns over and breaks upon the beach. 

 It may be watched gradually swimming towards the laud in some sheltered bay, 

 feeding as it comes, until the very edge of the breakers is reached. If alarmed, 

 instead of diving it usually swims quickly out from shore, and when still further 

 pursued or fired at, instantly takes wing, rising from the water at once and with 

 little splash or fuss. So far as my experience extends the Eider is a day feeder, 

 and during the breeding season at any rate passes the night on land. I never 

 met with this bird at sea during the night amongst the coasts where it was 

 breeding in considerable numbers, although Auks were common enough ; still it 

 is abroad and feeding by dawn. The flight of this Duck is, as a rule, not very 



