84 BIKDS OF NORTH CAROLINA 



Remarks. The forward extension of the feathers on the culmen will always distinguish this 

 species from 0. americana, while it may be known from deglandi by the absence of white in 

 the wings. (Chap., Birds of E. N. A.) 



Range. North America, breeding far northward; winters from Nova Scotia to North Caro- 

 lina. 



Range in North Carolina. Coastal region in winter. 



FIG. 54. SURF SCOTER (adult male). 



In writing of Surf Scoters on the New England coast, George H. Mackey in 

 The Auk for July, 1891, says, "they feed on black mussels (Modiola modiolus), 

 small sea-clams (S-pisula solidissimd) , scallops (Peclen concentricus) , and short 

 razor-shells (Siliqua costata), about an inch to an inch and a half long, which they 

 obtain by diving. Mussels measuring two and a half inches by one inch have been 

 taken from them; but usually they select sea clams and scallops, varying in size 

 from a five-cent nickel piece to a quarter of a dollar. They can feed in about forty 

 feet of water, but prefer less than half that depth." Bishop records Surf Scoters 

 in large numbers at Pea Island in 1901 as late as May 15. 



This bird is sometimes known as "Skunk Head," the name being evidently 

 derived from the sharply contrasted black and white markings. 



Genus Erismatura (Bonap.) 

 65. Erismatura jamaicensis (Gmel). RUDDY DUCK. 



Ad. <?. 'Top of head black, cheeks and chin white, throat and back rufous-chestnut, lower 

 back blackish; breast and belly silvery white; upper tail-coverts very short, tail-feathers stiff 

 and pointed; bill blue. Ad. 9 and Im. Upperparts dark grayish brown, the feathers marked 

 with fine wavy bars of buffy; sides of head and upper throat whitish, lower throat grayish, 

 rest of underparts silvery white. L., 15.00; W., 5.90; Tar., 1.15; B., 1.55. 



Remarks. The short upper tail-coverts and stiff, pointed tail-feathers will always serve to 

 identify this species. (Chap., Birds of E. N. A.) 



Range. North America, breeding mainly northerly, but locally and rarely as far south even 

 as the West Indies; winters from Maine to Central America. 



Range in North Carolina. Coastal region in winter. 



