THE SCAUP. 219 



by diving. It frequents salt and fresh water indifferently, 

 and is invariably in good condition at all seasons of the 

 year, which circumstance is, however, a matter of small 

 importance, seeing that its flesh is held in small esteem, 

 on account of its coarseness and indifferent flavour. 



The origin and meaning of the term Scaup have been 

 variously accounted for, and we have no less than three 

 different derivations given by as many naturalists, though 

 that of Yarrell is no doubt the true one. He says,* "beds 

 of oysters and mussels are in the north called ' oyster- 

 sea wp' and ' mussel- scawp,' and from feeding on these 

 shell-covered banks the bird has obtained the name of 

 Scawp-duck." 



The Scaup, or as it is generally called in America, the 

 Blue-bill and Black-head, breeds a long way north. Its eggs 

 are six or seven in number and of a pale chocolate colour, 

 and are generally found either simply laid on the bare 

 ground or but slightly raised from it, on what can only 

 by courtesy be termed a nest. 



The Scaup has a black head, neck, and breast, the 

 former being glossed with green reflections. The back is 

 mottled green, the wings are chiefly grey and white, the 

 under parts are white and the tail brown. The bill, 

 which is broad at the end, is of a light blue. 



* British Birds, iii. 344. 



