224 ORNAMENTAL WATERFOWL. 
blue; eyes hazel; wing and tail bark brown. In moulting 
dress the males resemble the females, but with a whitish patch 
on the back part of the head. 
Female.—Brown, two white patches on the face ; under 
parts mottled with white. 
Young.—In down, brown above, white below, a white 
spot each side of the rump, and on the wings. In first feather, 
similar to female, but upper body darker, gaining the white 
collar after the second moult. 
Egg.—“ Of a white or very pale buff colour, with a tinge 
of green” (Rev. F. O. Morris). “The eggs of the Harlequin 
are from eight to ten in number; creamy-white, smooth in 
texture, and glossy” (Seebohm). 
Nest Down. —“ Dark grey” (Seebohm). 
GENUS @DEMIA. 
The birds included in this genus are remarkable for their 
dark plumage and brightly-coloured bill, with a protuberance 
at the base; the males do not undergo any summer change of 
colour. They are marine in their habits, and breed within 
the Arctic circle, coming inland only for that purpose. The 
food of the Scoters consists chiefly of small molluscs, which 
they are able to swallow under water, together with insects, 
worms, and vegetable substances. Their flight is rapid, and 
they are expert divers, remaining submerged for long periods. 
The Scoters are usually seen in large flocks, the males keeping 
by themselves after incubation has commenced. The eggs, 
usually six in number, are placed in a nest of sedges and moss 
lined with down, being buff or creamy-white in colour. 
