414 THE GAME BIRDS AND WILD FOWL 



lakes and rivers of the interior as well as on the Atlantic and 

 Pacific coasts of the United States, down to Mexico and Central 

 America. 



Allied Forms. — FuHgula affinis, a small race confined to 

 the Nearctic region (measuring ij inches less in length of wing 

 than large European birds, and three-quarters of an inch less than 

 small ones) of very doubtful distinctness. As the two forms inter- 

 grade, and as their geographical area on the American continent 

 is the same, the most that can be claimed for them is a subspecific 

 distinction. 



Time during which the Scaup may be taken. — 

 August I St to March ist ; otherwise by authority of owner or 

 occupier of land. 



Habits. — The Scaup begins to arrive on the most northerly 

 coasts of the British Islands in September, but is nearly a month 

 later in the south. The return migration begins ' in March and 

 lasts through April into May, the Scaup being among the last of 

 the migratory Ducks to leave our coasts. In the Arctic regions 

 it arrives with the break-up of the ice towards the end of May, 

 or early in June. The Scaup during winter is for the most part 

 a dweller on or near the sea, resorting to quiet bays and estuaries, 

 especially where a considerable amount of mud is exposed at low 

 tide. It may, however, be frequently met with on fresh inland 

 waters at that season, and in summer is fond of lakes and wild, 

 swampy districts. During winter this Duck often congregates into 

 large flocks, and associates with various other species, notably with 

 Wigeon and Pintail ; whilst in summer it still remains very sociable 

 and gathers into parties to feed. Like all its allies it is an accom- 

 plished diver, and spends most of its time on the water, where it 

 swims well and rather high, but if alarmed it slowly sinks much 

 lower. As a rule it prefers to dive rather than to fly in avoiding 

 pursuit. When flushed it rises slowly and with considerable 

 splashing effort, but when once well up it progresses with con- 

 siderable speed, its short, quickly-beating wings making a whistling 

 or rustling sound. The call-note of this Duck is a most harsh 

 and discordant scaup, but an equally hoarse and grating kurr is 

 uttered especially during flight or under sexual excitement. The 

 food of the Scaup, which is mostly obtained by diving, consists of 



