Scaup Pocuarp. NATATORES. FULIGULA. 355 
of this genus already described, the Scaup prefers the mud- 
dy shores of the ocean, or such parts only of rivers as ad- 
mit the influence of the tide, where it can obtain a plentiful 
supply of its chief food, the smaller univalve and. bivalve 
shell-fish. It is in this country a regular winter visitant, 
and, except in very mild seasons, is numerously distributed 
along such of our shores as suit its peculiar economy. It 
seldom arrives before the end of October, or the beginning 
of the month following, and its influx increases in propor- 
tion to the severity of the weather, fresh arrivals constantly 
occurring as the northern countries become frozen up. On 
the advance of spring, it again migrates towards the pole, 
advancing, for the purpose of breeding and passing the sum- 
mer, into very high latitudes. It inhabits the arctic regions 
of Europe and Asia, and is also an abundant species in 
North America, being (according to Witson) widely distri- 
buted along the coasts of the United States, during its win- 
ter migration, and frequenting the mouths of the great ri- 
vers. Hudson’s and Baffin’s Bays appear to be its principal 
summer retreats in that quarter of the world. The Scaup 
is an excellent diver, and obtains its food indeed by search- 
ing the mud beneath with its bill. It also swims well and 
swiftly, but its flattened shape (like the rest of this subfa- 
mily) makes it appear to be deeply immersed in the water. 
Its flight is strong, but not rapid; and the weight of its 
body, and concavity of its wings, compel it always to rise 
against the wind. It is a very wary bird, and, as WiLson 
correctly observes, appears to know the precise distance with- 
in which it is safe; from which cause, and the resistance 
given by its plumage, it is not easily killed. The most ef- 
fectual way of getting within range, I have found to be by 
coming rapidly upon it with the wind, which the bird being 
obliged to face, in order to rise on wing, has frequently been 
brought so near as to enable me to obtain specimens. The 
Scaup is eaten by some people, but its flesh is rather rank 
and fishy, from the nature of its food. In confinement, it 
z2 
4 tw 
- Food. 
