CATALOGUE OF CANADIAN BIRDS. 113 
Barrow the majority of this species are paired by the middle of May, 
and the flocks are made up of pairs flying alternately. Early in 
June straggling pairs and small parties settle about the tundra pools 
and breed sparingly in the neighbourhood of the station. (Murdoch.) 
This species is tolerably common in Franklin bay, where fully 200 
eggs were procured between 1862-1865. The nest is similar to that 
of the Pacific eider and when not disturbed the female lays from 
four to six eggs. In colour they are generally of a light shade of 
olive-gray, and some are of agrayish-green. (Macjfarlane.) On June 
roth, 1905, Rev. C. E. Whittaker collected a set of the eggs of this 
eider for me on Herschell island. The nest',was built amongst 
grassy hummocks along the sea beach. (Razne.) 
LXIII. OIDEMIA FLeminc. 1822. 
~168. American Scoter. 
Oidemta americana. SWAINS. 1831. 
Obtained at the mouth of the Koaksoak river. Abundant in 
udson strait and on the eastern shore of Labrador, where it is 
reported to breed sparingly. (Turner.) Common on the Labrador 
coast. (Bigelow.) Common throughout the year around New- 
foundland. (Reeks.) A common migrant in Nova Scotia. (Downs.) 
An uncommon spring and autumn migrant at St. John, New Bruns- 
wick. (Chamberlain.) Passed north at Lake Mistassini, Que., 
May 15th, 1885. (J. M. Macoun.) Common in June, 1896, from 
Cape Jones to Richmond gulf, Hudson bay. (Spreadborough.) 
Fort Churchill, Hudson bay. (Wrght.) Preble gives several 
records for the west coast of Hudson bay. Not uncommon on the 
Gulf of St. Lawrence and up the St. Lawrence and Ottawa rivers. 
Casual on Lake Ontario and lakes Huron and Erie. It is not 
rare in Manitoba, but never breeds, passing to the north for that 
purpose. We have no detailed account of its breeding grounds in 
the east but believe they are around Hudson bay. Richardson says 
this species frequents Hudson bay, breeding between the 5oth and 
6oth parallels. Macfarlane says it undoubtedly breeds in the Ander- 
son River country, although he never received any well authenticated 
eggs. 
8 
