TUFTED DUCK. 101 



254. STELLER'S WESTERN ttQfc-^Poty&tict* . Stelkti). 



Exceedingly rare in Britain, and not much less so, it seems, in 

 Europe generally. 



255. VELVET SCOTER (Oidmia fused). 



Velvet duck. A winter visitor, and rare on our south coasts. 

 More common in the far north of Britain. 



256. COMMON SCOTER (Oidmia nigrd). 

 Scoter, Black Scoter, Black Duck, Black Diver. This dusky- 



coloured Duck is seen in considerable numbers on various parts 

 of our coasts in winter, and always swimming and diving in 

 what may be called " loose order, 3 ' like the Coots rather than any 

 of the true Ducks. It does not, however, ever stay to br^ecl 

 with us, and can have no further notice here. 



257. SURE SCOTER (Oidemia perspicillatd). 



A bird of very rare, and, perhaps also it may be added, very 

 local occurrence. 

 258. RED-CRESTED WHISTLING DUCK (FuUgula rufind) 



Again another occasional vistor. 



259. POCHARD (^%^/rn^). 



Dunbird, Red-headed Wigeon, Red-headed Poker, Duncur. A 

 winter visitor, and in very considerable numbers in districts 

 where the presence of inland waters to a sufficient extent enables 

 them to follow out their natural habits. It is almost impossible, 

 from their great quickness and skill in diving, to take them with 

 the other ( ' Fowl " in the Decoy, and they are therefore captured by 

 a peculiar arrangement of nets affixed to poles so heavily weighted 

 at one end as on being liberated to elevate the net in such a way 

 as to intercept the flight of the birds, as soon as they are fairly on 

 wing. The Dunbird does not now breed in this country. 

 260. FERRUGINOUS DUCK (^%^/tf nyrocd). 



Somewhat resembling the Pochard in general hue, but smaller, 

 and in respect of the numbers in which it has been met with in 

 this country, comparatively a very rare visitor. 



261. SCAUP DUCK (.7^%^ marila). 



Spoon-bill Duck. A winter visitor, and not an unusual one, 



although its numbers are never such as to commend it to notice 



in the same way as the Wild Duck, the Dunbird, the Wigeon, and 



some others. It breeds commonly in Iceland, but never in Britain. 



262. TUFTED VVCKtfuliffula cristatd). 



Another constant winter visitor, and as well or better known 

 than the Scaup. Like the Scaup Duck it usually prefers oozy 

 or muddy estuaries and t.lu'ir customary accompaniments. But I 



