200 BRITISH SEA BIRDS. 



period, becomes absurdly tame in districts where 

 not persecuted, often allowing an observer to 

 stroke her gently whilst she sits upon her eggs. 

 The food of the Eider Duck consists of minute 

 marine insects, crustaceans, and shellfish, especially 

 mussels and small crabs. Most of this food is 

 obtained by diving, the Eider being marvellously 

 expert at this, not only descending to a great depth, 

 but remaining for a long time below. A favourite 

 method of feeding with this species is to draw 

 shorewards with the tide. It may be watched 

 gradually swimming towards the land in some 

 sheltered bay, feeding as it comes, until the very 

 edge of the breakers is reached. Then comes by 

 far the prettiest sight of all, as the bird swims 

 through each mighty wave just before it turns over 

 and breaks upon the beach, floating light as a foam 

 fleck on the huge rollers, now high up on the white 

 crests, then momentarily lost to view in the green 

 glassy depths. If alarmed on these occasions, the 

 Eider generally swims quickly out from shore, but 

 if further pursued or fired at, it instantly takes wing, 

 rising from the water with little splash, and flying 

 rapidly and steadily just above the surface to a 

 safer refuge. The Eider is a day feeder, abroad at 

 dawn, and continuing its labours well into the dusk. 

 As a rule the Eider is a very silent bird. The 

 usual note is a somewhat low kurr, but in the 

 season of courtship the male utters a cooing sound 

 when paying his addresses to his mate, as he swims 



