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HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 



THE IIARLEQUIX DUCK. 





further distinguished by the purer color of its dorsal 

 plumage, and the smaller portion of ^^^hite on its wing 

 and scapulars. Its long flank feathers are also much 

 more broadly bordered all round with black.* 



The Harlequin Duck [Fuligula Illstrionica) 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 thep 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- 



Nuttall. 



