1 64 The Water-fowl Family 



females outnumbering the males. In fall and 

 winter they frequent the open water, more to the 

 south, but do not range below Alaska. North 

 of Nome, along the Alaskan coast, the natives 

 use the skins for ornaments in their dress. The 

 breeding-grounds are on the northern shores of 

 Siberia, and the islands of Bering Sea. A nest 

 was found near Unalaska by Mr. Dall, in May, 

 1872. It was on the ground, carefully concealed 

 by slanting grass, and contained a single egg of 

 a pale green color. Other ornithologists have 

 doubted that this nest was correctly identified. 

 The male, after incubation is established, loses 

 his striking plumage, which he does not resume 

 until the late fall. Like all the sea-ducks of its 

 class, the Steller's duck is hardy and braves the 

 severest storms and cold of the North, asking 

 only the privilege of open water. 



Steller's duck is said to breed by tens of thou- 

 sands on the Arctic coast of Siberia, and to ap- 

 pear in large flocks off Bering Islands about 

 November i. All winter they are common at 

 the latter locality, frequenting the most rocky 

 parts of the coast, where the breakers are most 

 violent. In April their numbers are enormously 

 increased, and flocks may be seen covering many 

 acres of the sea ; but by the end of May all have 

 disappeared. 



