THE SCAUP-DUCK. 

 Fuligula marila (Linnaeus). 

 Plate 49. 



This marine species, common on many parts of our coasts and estuaries in 

 winter, and much less often seen on inland waters, breeds throughout the greater 

 part of the circumpolar regions of Europe, Asia, and America, and also within 

 recent years a few nests have been identified in the north of Scotland, as well 

 as in the Orkneys and Outer Hebrides. 



The first authentic nest of this species found in the British Islands was that 

 discovered by Mr. Heatley Noble on an island in a Sutherlandshire loch [Ibis^ 

 1899, and the Annals of Scottish Natural History, 1899). 



During the breeding season the Scaup frequents fresh-water lakes and rivers, 

 and builds its nest among rushes or in rough grassy cover near water, and lays 

 from six to ten or eleven eggs of a pale greenish-grey colour. 



This duck is an expert diver, and obtains its food on the submerged mussel- 

 beds or tangle-covered reefs, and in the summer months, when away from salt- 

 water on its nesting ground, eats seeds of aquatic plants, small fishes, and insects. 

 It is very gregarious in its habits, and utters a harsh, discordant croak. 



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