444 THE GAME BIRDS AND WILD FOWL 



bill, instead of almost as far. S. v-nigrum, an inhabitant of the 

 coasts of East Siberia, the islands of Behring Sea, and the coast 

 of Alaska. The Pacific representative of the Common Eider, 

 closely allied but apparently specifically distinct. Differs from the 

 Common Eider in being a larger bird, and in having a very 

 distinct V-shaped mark on the throat, in this particular showing a 

 close affinity with the King Eider. 



Time during which the Common Eider may be taken, 



— August I St to March ist. 



Habits. — This beautiful Duck is probably the most maritime 

 of its family, and, except in the breeding season, spends nearly all 

 its time on the sea. So closely is it attached to the sea, so 

 thoroughly " sea-faring " in its habits, that it rarely flies overland 

 at all except to its nest, and prefers to follow a winding coast line 

 rather than to cross even the narrowest of promontories. The 

 Eider is practically a sedentary species, only wandering south a 

 little way from its summer haunts either in quest of food or in pro- 

 longed severe and stormy weather. It loves the wild, rock-bound 

 coasts, especially where plenty of precipitous islands occur and 

 the shore line is broken up into sheltered bays and fjords. Some- 

 times it may be seen standing on the rocks close to the water's 

 edge, but usually it keeps well out to sea, and even sleeps on the 

 water. At all times it is more or less gregarious, although never 

 congregating into the vast flocks that many other sea Ducks do. 

 It is generally observed in parties, in summer and winter alike, for 

 the drakes swim in company whilst the ducks are incubating on 

 shore, and when the latter come to the sea to feed all join into 

 a scattered company. In summer the female Eiders are remark- 

 ably tame and confiding, but in winter they are wary enough, and 

 at all times of the year the males are difficult birds to approach. 

 The food of the Eider consists of minute marine insects, crus- 

 taceans, and shell-fish, especially mussels and small crabs. Most 

 of this food is obtained by diving, the bird being remarkably 

 expert at this, descending to considerable depths and remaining 

 a long time under the surface. The Eider loves to draw shore- 

 wards with the flowing tide, and to swim just outside the breakers. 

 It is most interesting to watch this bird swim clean through each 

 mighty wave just before it turns over and breaks upon the beach. 



