DUCKS, GEESE, AND SWANS. 205 



distinguished from the Common Scoter by its very 

 conspicuous white wing bar, and less observable 

 white spot under the eye ; otherwise it closely 

 resembles it in general colouration. The Velvet 

 Scoters that visit our seas are generally observed 

 mixed with the gatherings of the Common Scoter. 

 The habits of the two species are much alike in 

 some respects, very different in others. Thus it 

 exhibits the same skill in diving for food, and 

 obtains it under very similar conditions ; its flight is 

 equally rapid and well sustained ; it seldom visits 

 the land, and is, when on it, just as clumsy and 

 waddling in its gait ; its food is similar ; its migra- 

 tions take place at much the same periods. On the 

 other hand, the Velvet Scoter is not such a strictly 

 maritime species, being frequently found on inland 

 waters, and even, during winter, is partial to wander- 

 ing up tidal rivers and visiting lakes. Its breeding- 

 places are also, as a rule, much farther from the sea, 

 and the nest is not unfrequently found at long 

 distances from any water at all. Odd pairs of this 

 Scoter are occasionally met with in our area during 

 the summer, and it has been suggested that the 

 species even breeds within the British limits ; no 

 direct evidence, however, is forthcoming. 



This Scoter is a late breeder, its eggs not being 

 laid before the end of June, or even early in July. 

 Although migrating in flocks, the birds appear to 

 separate into pairs as soon as the summer quarters 

 are reached. The duck and drake keep close 



