SCOTERS : EIDER DUCK. 



511 



common on the northern shores of both continents during the 

 winter ; and retire to the extreme north to breed during the 



FIG. 292. BLACK SCOTBR. 



summer months. 



Their plumage is for the most part dark, or 

 even quite black ; but it is very 

 close and stiff, so that it receives 

 no injury from immersion in 

 water. The Eiders are the 

 largest of all the Ducks, being 

 as weighty as the average of 

 Geese. They are remarkable 

 for the extraordinary coating 

 of down, with which their 

 bodies are covered ; and for this 

 their nests are sought with 

 eagerness by the Fowler, a con- 

 siderable quantity of it being 

 plucked off by the female for their lining. When the eggs and 



FIG. 293 EIDER DUCK. 



