THE COMMON SCOTER. 

 CEdemia nigra, Linnaeus. 

 Plate 51. 



The Common or Black Scoter is an extremely abundant autumnal visitant to 

 the coasts of the British Islands. During that season and in winter enormous 

 flocks may be seen in the English Channel and the North Sea, and in the summer 

 months in much smaller numbers. It is not uncommon as a breeding species in 

 the northern parts of Scotland, especially in Caithness and Sutherland, according 

 to Mr. Heatley Noble, as quoted in Millais' Diving Ducks, being much more 

 plentiful than generally supposed. It has also nested of late years on one of the 

 Irish loughs. 



The Common Scoter breeds chiefly in Northern Europe and Siberia, ranging 

 in the latter country as far east as the Taimyr Peninsula, and in winter its visits 

 extend as far south as the Mediterranean and North Africa. 



The nest, composed of dead grasses, moss, &c., and warmly lined with down, 

 is usually placed among heather, dwarf willows, or other cover — often on islands 

 or by the side of a fresh-water loch — and contains from six to nine cream-coloured 

 eggs. 



It feeds mainly on shell-fish, the common mussel providing its chief supply 

 when at sea, but crustaceans, insects, and worms are also eaten, as well as roots 

 of aquatic plants. 



According to Lt.-Commander Millais {British Diving Ducks, vol. ii. p. 59), 

 " in winter the cry of both adult male and female and immature is a harsh grating 

 call which is so common amongst other sea-ducks, but in spring the adult male 

 utters a somewhat musical bell-like call, which is very difficult to render in words." 

 The same author says : "With its powerful feet and legs the Common Scoter dives 

 frequently when on feed, generally reappearing almost on the same spot ; and 

 where they are not constantly disturbed, they are seldom seen flying, but drift 

 lazily about in great battalions when not on feed." 



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