226 ORNAMENTAL WATERFOWL. 
VELVET SCOTER. 
(Bdemta fusca). 
This bird is distinguishable from the Common Scoter by 
a white wing-bar and a white spot round the eye, as also by its 
superior size. Large flocks are sometimes seen on the eastern 
coasts of Scotland and England, as well as in Ireland. Their 
habits and breeding closely resemble those of the Common 
Scoter. They are difficult to acclimatize, although one speci- 
men of Cidemta fusca has been known in the Zoological 
Gardens. 
Male.—Velvety-black plumage, with white wing-bar ; 
white crescent below the eye ; bill orange, with black tubercle ; 
feet red; eyes red, occasionally yellowish-white ; legs red, 
tinged with orange. Weight about three pounds. 
Female.— Upper plumage blackish-brown ; under parts 
grey, with brown splashes ; two white spots on face; bill and 
eyes dark ; feet red. 
Young.—When in down, “may be distinguished from the 
Common Scoter by a white wing-spot” (Seebohm). In first 
feather closely resemble female. 
Egg.—Greyish-cream ; may be distinguished from that of 
Gdemia nigra by both ends being rounded; six to ten in 
number. June—July. 
Nest Down.—“ Brownish-grey. Larger than Common 
Scoter ” (Seebohm), 
SURF SCOTER. 
(Zdemia perspicillata). 
This Duck has but rarely been killed in Great Britain, 
being peculiar to America, where it is found exclusively upon 
the sea coast. Its food, like that of its congeners, consists of 
