394 THE GAME BIRDS AND WILD FOWL 



Genus PULIQULA, or Scaups and Tufted Ducks. 



Type, FULIGULA CEISTATA, 



Fuligula, of Stephens (1824). — The birds comprising the present genus are 

 characterised by having the bill smooth at the base and flat, somewhat wider 

 near the end than at the base, rather broad and short and much rounded at the 

 tip, furnished with lamellae, not with saw-like teeth, with the rectrices soft and 

 pliable ; and with no patches of emerald green on the head, which in adult males 

 is glossy-black. The former characters separate them from the Mergansers and 

 the Spine-tailed Ducks (non-British), whilst the latter character diagnoses them 

 from the Eiders. The wings are rather short but pointed ; tail somewhat 

 variable in shape and in number of feathers. Three toes in front webbed ; hind 

 toe moderate and lobed. 



This genus is composed of five species, which are mostly distributed in the 

 Nearctic and Palaearctic regions, but one inhabits New Zealand. Three species 

 are British. 



The Scaups and Tufted Ducks frequent maritime as well as more inland waters, 

 but are most commonly distributed on salt water during winter, though some 

 frequent fresh water always. They are birds of rapid yet somewhat laboured 

 flight ; swim and dive with marvellous skill, but walk clumsily. They make their 

 nests, lined with down, either in the ground or in holes in trees, and their numerous 

 eggs range from buff to olive-brown and green in colour. They are monogamous ; 

 more or less gregarious in winter. 



