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SCAUP DUCK. 



SCAUP POCHARD. NORWAY DUCK. WHITE-FACED DUCK, (THE YOUNG.) 



Fuligula marila, ..... Stephens. 



Nyroca Gesneri, ...... "Wellt/ghbt. 



Anas marila, ..... Linn^us. 



Nyroca marila, ...... Montagu. 



Fuligula. Fuligo — -Soot; from the colour of some of the species. 

 Marila — Sparks that fly from hot coals. 



Towards the latter end of October, the Scaups begin to arrive on our shores, pre- 

 ferring the low and muddy estuaries of our low-laying rivers, to those of a more picturesque 

 and bold character. In Ireland it seems to make its appearance at an earlier period. 

 Mr. Thompson stating that it was observed in Belfast Bay, at the end of August, 1837, 

 and from 1838 to 1844, at dates varying from the 14th. to the 29th. of September; 

 the 29th. being the latest date of its first appearance in that district. In Belfast 

 Bay they frequently remain as late as the second week in May, before taking their 

 departure for the north, to breed; but some few remain even later, probably with 

 the intention of breeding, if allowed; this would seem to have been the case with a 

 pair seen by Mr. Thompson, the first week in June, 1840. 



The Scaup is pretty evenly distributed round all the shores of England, Scotland, and 

 Ireland. 



It frequents all the maritime countries of Europe, especially those of the northern 

 parts; and is common also in Xorth America. 



It is not in much esteem for the table, being strong and fishy in taste. 



In its habits it is considerably maritime, seldom straying far from the coast, and fre- 

 quenting chiefly the flat muddy shores peculiar to some parts of our coast, where large 

 tracts are left uncovered by the receding tide. It is an admirable diver, and obtains 

 its food, we believe, exclusively by this method. When approached it endeavours to 

 escape by swimming, not by diving, and if hard pressed will take to wing. Although 

 generally considered an extremely wary bird, it seems to be so rather by education than 



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