78 



LAMELLIROSTRAL SWIMMERS — ANSERES. 



The Eider breeds on the extreme eastern coast of Maine and in the Bay of Fundy, 

 and wouhl, no doubt, do so in considerable numbers were it not so constantly robbed of 

 its e^-o-s and down. It is found in the winter along the whole Atlantic coast as far 

 south as the Delaware. Ducks of this species are brought to the Boston market 



every winter, but in much 

 smaller numbers than for- 

 merly ; and they are rare- 

 ly now met with except 

 in midwinter. Audubon 

 mentions that they were 

 present in Boston Har- 

 bor in considerable num- 

 bers in 1832, as early as 

 October. 



According to Audubon, 

 this Duck breeds along 

 the Atlantic coast from 

 the Bay of Fundy to the 

 extreme northern points 

 of Labrador, and thence 

 on all the more northern 

 headlands. He found the 

 number of eggs to vary 

 from five to ten ; in the 

 latter case they are sup- 

 posed to be the product 

 of two females. If the 

 nest is robbed in the early 

 part of the season, the 

 female seeks her mate 

 once more, and lays an- 

 other and smaller set ; but 

 if the eggs are taken late 

 in the season, the nest is 

 forsaken. Early in Au- 

 Male. gust Audubon found the 



Eider in Labrador moving 

 southward, — probably, however, to more sheltered havens, and not farther to the 

 south than the St. Lawrence. 



This species nests in Labrador early in May. The nest is sunk as much as possi- 

 ble into the ground, and is formed of seaweed, mosses, and a few dry twigs, so 

 matted and interlaced as often to j)resent quite a neat appearance. The cavity is 

 about seven inches in diameter. The young are led, or carried, to the water by the 

 mother, and for several weeks nothing can exceed the care she takes of her brood — 

 defending them against the attacks of Gulls, and prompting them to dive when 

 necessary. 



Occasionally two females occupy the same nest, and share with each other the 

 care of the young flock. The young are at first of a dark mouse-color, and covered 

 with a soft down. Their feet are very large, and they are remarkably expert in 

 swimming and diving. They grow with great rapidity. 



