SUBFAMILY FULIGULINM. 29 1 



sionally into European boundaries. The Harlequin, in some of 

 its characters, leans toward the Eiders, with which the inter- 

 vening genera help to connect it. 



GENUS HENICONETTA. 

 (Greek ew/cAs, henikos, singular + viTra, neita, a duck). 



Eniconetta (aspirate ignored), G. R. Gray. List. Gen, B., 

 1840, p. 75. Tjrpe Anas stelleri. Pall. 



Bill without frontal processes; height at base slightly more 

 than greatest width, this last not quite equal to half the length 

 of culmen, which is longer than tarsus. Sides of maxilla taper- 

 ing gradually toward the tip, which is nearly all occupied by the 

 nail. Nostrils ovate, basal, placed high on maxilla. Outline of 

 loral feathering convex. Speculum on wing. 



One species only of this genus is known, the beautiful Steller's 

 Duck, a dweller in high northern latitudes. It gathers at times 

 in great flocks in the desolate regions it frequents, and often 

 associates with other Eiders inhabiting the same localities. This 

 genus is sometimes spelled Eniconetta; but as this entirely ig- 

 nores the aspirate of the Greek e, and is therefore quite incor- 

 rect, I have not continued the error. 



GENUS (ED EMI A. 

 (Greek oBij/no, oidema; Latin cedema, a swelling). 



Oidemia (misspelling for CEdemia), Fleming. Phil, of Zobl., 

 vol. ii., 1822, p. 260. Type Anas nigra, Linn. 



Bill variously tumid or gibbous; frontal feathers extending 

 further on the bill than those of the loral region. Maxilla ex- 

 tending anterior to nostrils, thence narrowing rapidly to tip. 

 Nail broad, occupying the entire tip, curved and hooked. Nos- 

 trils situated about middle of bill. Extreme width of bill greater 

 than height of maxilla at base. 



The Surf Ducks or Scoters, as they are frequently called, are 

 very numerous on our coasts in winter. Four species inhabit 

 North America, and while their plumage is somber, the males 

 being either all black, or black and white, the bills of this sex in 

 the different species are decorated with red, orange, or other 

 brilliant colors. It is a cosmopolitan genus, the members being 



