368 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 



THE HARLEQUIN DUCK. 



further distinguished by the purer color of its dorsal 

 plumage, and the smaller portion of white on its wing 

 and scapulars. Its long flank feathers are also much 

 more broadly bordered all round with black.* 



The Harlequin Duck (Fuligula Histrionica) is 

 common to both continents. This singularly marked 

 and beautiful species is almost a constant resident of 

 the hyperboreal regions of the northern hemisphere, 

 from which it migrates but short distances towards 

 more temperate latitudes, and is as in Europe a rare 

 and almost accidental visiter as far as the Middle 

 States of the Union. It is however more frequent in 

 Eastern Europe up to Greenland ; and common from 

 Lake Baikal to Kamtschatka. Now and then it is 

 killed in Scotland and the Orkneys. Dr. Richardson 

 found it to be a rare bird in the fur countries, haunt 

 ing eddies under cascades, and rapid streams, where 

 it dwells and breeds apart from all other ducks. In 

 Kamtschatka it affects the same retired and remark- 



* Nuttali. 



