396 THE GAME BIRDS AND WILD FOWL 



Allied forms. — FuUgula affinis, a small race confined to the Nearctic 

 region (measuring li- inches less in length of wing than large European birds, 

 and three-quarters of an inch less than small ones) and the head glossed with 

 purple instead of green ; 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. According to Dr. 

 Stejneger, the typical Scaup F. marila is confined to the Palsearctic region. In 

 the far east of this area, " Pacific coast of Asia from Japan southward," another 

 subspecies is distinguished under the name of F. affinis mariloides (Vigors), a 

 representative race of the Nearctic F. affinis ; whilst the second American form, 

 the most nearly allied representative of F. marila, is separated under the name 

 of F. marila nearctica. Count Salvadori, however, is unable fully to support 

 these conclusions. (Conf. Bulletin, U.S. Nat. Mus. No. 29, p. 161, 1885.) 



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 accomplished 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 considerable 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 moHusks, crustaceans, and great quantities 

 of marine weeds growing in the haunts of the bird. Probably in summer 

 it is more of a vegetable than an animal nature. Sometimes when diving for 

 food the Scaup will remain under the surface for quite a minute. The Scaup 

 feeds a good deal at night, and, like most other Ducks that habitually do so, it 

 passes regularly from its usual haunts to its feeding grounds. 



Nidification. — The breeding season of the Scaup commences in May in 

 some localities where the cHmate is open, but a month later in the colder regions 



