78 Bird-Life in Labrador. 



AMERICAN BLACK SCOTER 



CSdemia amcricana. (WiLS.) Sw. 



THIS and the two succeeding species are abundant every- 

 where along the coast of Labrador. There are many points 

 of similarity in habits of all three with those of the common 

 eider duck, especially in regard to their feeding habits. 

 These ducks assemble in large flocks, over some low shoal, 

 just off laud, to feed. They usually remain at some distance 

 from land, but are easily decoyed by the voice. The gunner 

 must remain perfectly still, as they notice the least movement 

 and are off at once. The present species is said to breed 

 abundantly in the inland ponds and lakes, as it no doubt does. 

 I obtained specimens of all three species. 



WHITE-WINGED COOT SCOTER 

 VELVET DUCK 



(Edemia fiisca. (L.) Sw. 



COMMOX in Spring and Fall. I did not find it in the 

 breeding season and do not know as it breeds. Several au- 

 thorities give it as breeding, and it doubtless does in limited 

 numbers though much less so than the preceding species. I 

 do not recollect an authority that found its eggs in Labrador, 

 though the young birds are frequently obtained. The Spring 

 and Fall migrants are often found in large flocks, and I have 

 seen them alight upon some isolated rock, some distance from 

 land in the water, and blacken its entire apparent surface. 

 They are very difficult to approach and quick at diving; hard 

 to kill and not especially good eating. They are decoyed 

 from shore by the voice and shot like other sea ducks. It is 

 known by the name of" brass-winged diver." 



SURF DUKE SEA COOT 



CEdemia perspitillata. (L.) STEPH. 



NEARLY the same remarks which apply to the other two 



