WHITE-WINGED SCOTER
165. Oidemia deglandi. 22 in.
This species is the most abundant of the Scoters wintering off the New England coast, where they congregate in immense “rafts,” floating off shore.
Nest.—Concealed in long grass, lined with feathers; 5 to 8 buffy eggs (2.75 × 1.85); June.
Range.—Breeds from North Dakota and Newfoundland northward; winters in the northern half of U. S.
SURF SCOTER
166. Oidemia perspicillata. 20 in.
Male black with a white patch 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. Female a uniform grayish brown, lighter below, with a whitish patch in front of each eye; young birds are like the female but also have a white patch back of the eye. That they are very abundant is apparent from the size of a single flock seen by Nelson about 10 miles out to sea from St. Michaels, Alaska; it formed a continuous band for about 10 miles in length and from a half to three-quarters of a mile in width. All the “Coots” have heavy bodies, making it rather difficult for them to rise from the water, along which they run for a few yards before springing into the air.
Nest.—A feather lined hollow on the ground, like that of other ducks; eggs creamy buff (2.40 × 1.70).