12 British Diving Ducks 
of them the mantle and scapulars appear to be almost black, for the sandy-coloured 
edges are nearly worn off prior to moulting. 
Second Winter-plumage. — The moult commences at the end of July, and during 
August and September the whole plumage undergoes a complete change to that of the 
second winter. In October these second-year females are very similar to adult females 
except that the white band on the lower edge of the secondaries and secondary coverts 
is very narrow. On examining several of these females, the plumage seems more heavily 
barred and not so red-brown as adult females, nor are the birds themselves so large. 
Neither do they moult quite so early as adults. On the other hand, in spring they 
lose colour more quickly than adult females, and have a worn and faded appearance as 
early as June. The black bars on the flanks and breast are very conspicuous, and the 
whole of the head and upper parts are much darker than in adults. The secondaries 
and secondary coverts are worn greyish-brown with the narrow white edge still 
showing. 
The oviduct of these second-year females is larger than that of the 5-months 
females, but is not developed like that of an old bird. Schioler remarks that the ovary • 
presents a somewhat different appearance, the single eggs being discernible and a few 
of them being a little enlarged. It may be possible that some of these immature 
females of 22 months breed; yet I think that the majority do not do so, for I have 
shot several consorting with the small packs of 9-months-old females which kept 
quite apart all the spring and summer from the breeding birds, whilst all Mr. Schioler's 
examinations go to prove that female birds do not breed until the third spring. 
Adult Plumage. — At the age of 2 years the bird commences another complete 
moult similar to that of the year before, and changes directly into its third winter 
plumage, which is that of the adult female. This is generally finished in November, 
when the female may be said to be adult at 28 months — in fact, maturity is reached 
at the same time as in the case of the male. 
In the following spring she breeds. Females in the fourth year are more brilliant 
than those in the third year. 
The female is in her best plumage in February. Head and neck sandy-rufous 
speckled with black ; crown dark brown with sandy borders ; mantle, scapulars, upper 
parts of the wing, back, and rump dark brown, the feathers edged with sandy or rufous ; 
tail brown ; primaries nearly black ; secondaries and secondary coverts brown with paler 
edges, the outer edges broadly transversed with white and forming two alar bars ; the 
five inner secondaries are a rich sandy-rufous ; chin inclined to grey ; upper breast, flanks, 
and under tail coverts dark brown, the feathers edged with sandy or rufous ; rest of under 
parts greyish-brown. Legs and toes brownish-slate with green suffusion ; bill like that 
of the male, only paler. Length 24 in., wing 11 in., tarsus 1.75 in. 
Note. — With age there is an inclination on the part of the long secondaries to curl 
downwards, but not to such an extent as is seen in the male. 
Breeding Range. 
British Isles. — In England the Eider breeds only on the coast of Northumberland. 
Its chief resort is the Farne Islands, though it breeds occasionally on the coast {Bird Life 
