CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE NATURAL HISTORY OF ALASKA. 137 



In the early spring I have seen as many as seven males following one female as they were 

 flying by. I further believe that a female is never attended by a single male, as always two or 

 more males were seen with a female. At all seasons of the year the males are more numerous 

 than the females. 



The Eiders never resort to the fresh-water ponds. They are seen in the vicinity of fresh water 

 only where a small creek empties into the sea, and were then supposed to be there lor the purpose 

 of obtaining fresh water to diink. The food of the Eiders is of an animal nature. They dive and 

 obtain most of their food from the bottom of the bays and coves. They remain under the water 

 for a long time, and, while under, swim exasperatingly long distances. 



The bird is very shy except when on land during boisterous weather. At that time the natives 

 of the western islands of the Aleutian Chain used small hand-nets to throw over the birds as they 

 sat stupidly on the shore. A bright night with a hard gale of wind was the best time f o secure 

 them. The birds then sit in a huddle and many are caught at one throw of the net. The natives 

 assert thai the common Hair Seals catch these birds when on the water and drag them under to 

 play with them ; hence, these birds are constantly on the alert for seals and take flight as soon as 

 a seal is discovered near. 



The young male Eiders assume the adult plumage completely only at the beginning of the 

 third year. 



The Eskimo name of this bird is mVt huk, and is derived from the dull, hissing sound uttered 

 by this species when disturbed. 



162. Somateria spectabilis (Linn.). King Eider. 



The King Eider is not common in the vicinity of Saint Michael's during the summer. It is 

 more abundant in spring and fall. It breeds sparingly at Saint Michael's. I never obtained its 

 nest, but saw the birds under circumstances that cause me to assert that it breeds there. 



It occurs among the eastern Aleutian Islands, more abundantly in winter than in summer. 



The nesting habits of this species are identical with that of V-nigra. 



163. Oidemia Americana (Sw. & Rich.). American Scoter. 



The American Scoter arrives at Saint Michael's by the 1st of June and remains until about 

 the last of October, or when the icy slush begins to form on the sea. They are not plentiful, at 

 least in that immediate vicinity. A few T miles further up the coast they are more abundant. 



Along the shores of Aliaska and the waters of Bristol Bay I saw numbers of these birds in 

 1878, but under such circumstances that 1 was unable to obtain them. 



Auiorg the Aleutian Islands they are to be found throughout the year, though more plentiful 

 during the winter, and breeding sparingly along the entire chain. 



They are not gregarious, rarely more than three or four together ; and often only solitary. 

 When alone they are easily approached if the bidarka is directed so as to pass them at a few rods. 

 They often dive and remain underwater an astonishingly great period, and frequently never appear 

 in sight, though the water may be perfectly calm and allow careful search. 



The male is noted for the gibbosity of pinkish-white near base of bill ; the lower edge of the 

 swelling is deep red, gradually blending with the black of the rest of the bill. 



The flesh is excellent during the winter. They feed on mollusks and other animal life ; yet the 

 flesh does not acquire a strong taste. 



The Russians call this duck Turpdn. 



m 



165. Oidemia deglandi (Bonap.). White-winged Scoter. 



I found this Scoter to be rare in all localities visited by me. It does not occur except sparingly 

 among the Aleutian Islands that I could discover. 



A single specimen was obtained at Saint Michael's. I know nothing of its habits. 



Another individual of this species was procured April 20, 1879, at Unalashka Island and incor- 

 rectly referred to 0. fusca Lmu6, but upon more careful examination it proved to be this species. 



166. Oidemia peespicillata (Linn.). Surf Scoter. 



The Surf Duck is common in all localities of the Yukon district bordering on the sea, but be- 

 comes more abundant to the southward. 

 S. Mis. 155 18 



