THE PATCH-HEAD COOT 403 
save when migrating, at which time they often 
rise to a considerable height. 
Their food consists of shell-fish, sea-weeds, 
and small fish. Their meat is dark, and except 
when it is from a young bird can scarcely be 
considered eatable. 
This is perhaps the most common duck of the 
Atlantic coast. 
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THE PATCH-HEAD COOT. 
(Oidemia perspicillata.) 
Next of the Scoters in point of numbers is the 
‘‘Patch-head Coot,’’ also called ‘‘Horse-head,’’ 
‘‘Goggle-nose,’’ ‘‘Skunk-head,’’ and _ other 
equally romantic and euphonious titles. This 
species is fairly abundant on the eastern coast 
of North America, going farther south dur- 
ing the winter months than does either of 
the other two. They are not uncommon in 
Florida, are found in the Great Lakes, and are 
also abundant on the Pacific coast. 
This bird breeds throughout the interior in 
high latitudes and all along the northern coast 
of the continent. 
The male in breeding plumage is glossy black, 
