Birds of Britain 



the crown, and another down the sides of the neck. A 

 white ring, bordered with black, encircles the lower neck, 

 and there is another similar one across the breast; the 

 under parts are dark greyish brown. Length 17 in. ; 

 wing 8 in. 



THE EIDER DUCK 



Somateria mollissima (Linnaeus) 



This exclusively Sea-Duck is not uncommon from 

 Northumberland northwards, where it is resident, and breeds 

 in all suitable localities ; but over the rest of our coasts it is 

 rare, and only met with occasionally. 



In food and habits it calls for no special comment. The 

 nest is placed usually on low rocky islets among the herbage 

 or in crevices of the rocks, but it is sometimes found at 

 considerable distances from the water and often at some 

 height above the sea. Five is the usual number in a clutch, 

 the eggs being large, somewhat pointed, and greenish grey 

 in colour. This bird is famous for the down with which 

 its nest is lined, and on this account is stringently protected 

 in many places abroad. The first two nests are generally 

 taken, the Duck being allowed to hatch her third clutch 

 unmolested. 



The Drakes are extremely handsome birds. The head 

 and neck are black, with the exception of a white line 

 running backwards from the crown to the nape, which is 

 green. The cheeks, back wing coverts, and long sickle- 

 shaped secondaries (characteristic of the Eider Ducks) white. 

 Wings, rump, and tail black ; breast warm buff. Eest of 



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