This is the largest of the Scoters, and may easily be distinguished from the others by the white speculum on the wing and a white comet extending from the eye backwards. It also has a yellow eye.
This species often feeds in very deep water, like others of the family.
Nest.—They nest on the ground, generally in long grass or under low bushes, making a coarse nest of grasses, and sometimes twigs, lined with feathers; 6 to 8 pale buff eggs (2.75 × 1.70).
Range.—North America, breeding in British Columbia and Alaska.
SURF SCOTER.
166. Oidemia perspicillata. 20 inches.
The male of this species is entirely black, excepting a white spot on top of the head and another on the nape; eye white; bill red, white and yellow with a large black spot near the base. The female is a grayish brown, lighter below; also with a spot of dull white in front of the eye and the same in back.
RUDDY DUCK.
167. Erismatura jamaicensis. 15 inches.