OP THE BEITISH ISLANDS. 439 



coasts of the mainland, and are placed in similar situations to those of the 

 Common Eider. The nest is merely a depression in the ground, which may or 

 may not contain a little vegetable refuse, but is always warmly lined with down 

 from the body of the female by the time the full number of eggs is deposited 

 The eggs, so far as is known, are six in number and pale greenish-grey in colour, 

 smooth in texture, and with little gloss. They measure on an average 2' 6 inches 

 in length by 1'75 inch in breadth. The down tufts are similar in every respect 

 to those of the preceding species. One brood only is reared in the year. The 

 habits of this Eider during the nesting period and after the young are reared do 

 not differ from those of allied species. 



Diagnostic cliaracters.— (Nuptial Plumage), Somateria, with the 

 upper back white and the falcated scapulars black, and with a black stripe on 

 each side of the throat meeting on the chin, forming a V-shaped mark (adult 

 male) ; with the feathers on the forehead extending beyond those on the side of 

 the bill (adult female). Length, 24 inches. 



