It is only during the last two or three years that it has been proved beyond doubt to nest in a particular locality in Scotland, where it is strictly preserved.
The nest is placed among stones or rough grass near some pool or mere, and the eggs, which are pale greenish grey, are usually about ten in number.
The male has the whole of the head, neck, breast, and upper parts black, the mantle being thickly vermiculated with white. Under parts white; bill greyish blue; eyes pale yellow; legs bluish. The female has those parts which are black in the male dull brown, and the vermiculations on the back are very scanty. There is a white band round the base of the bill. The young resemble the female, and immature Drakes do not acquire their full plumage for two or three years. Length 19 in; wing 8·5 in.
TUFTED DUCK
Fuligula cristata
THE GOLDEN-EYE DUCK
Clangula glaucion (Linnæus)
Breeding in Northern Europe, this species generally arrives here in October, and may be found sparingly on inland rivers and lakes, as well as in estuaries, becoming commoner in the north. In food and general habits it much resembles the preceding species, but its nest is placed in holes of trees at some distance from the ground, the old hole of a Black Woodpecker being frequently made use of in Scandinavia. The Lapps, in order to obtain the eggs of this and other kindred species, place nest-boxes in the pine and birch woods, the majority of which are tenanted by this species. The eggs, about twelve in number, are bright green. It has never been known to nest with us.
The male has the head and upper neck glossy greenish black, with a conspicuous white oval patch under each eye; the rest of the upper parts, except the scapulars, black; scapulars, a large wing patch, and under parts white. Bill bluish black. Legs yellow, with black webs. The female has the black parts in the male replaced by greyish brown, and the white wing patch is much smaller in extent. The white spot below the eye is absent. The neck and breast are greyish. The young resemble the female. Length 18·5 in.; wing 8·25 in.
THE BUFFEL-HEADED DUCK
Clangula albeola (Linnæus)
Only two or three examples of this North American species have been obtained in this country. In general coloration it bears a distant resemblance to the Golden-eye, but the male may be recognised by the presence of a large triangular white patch on the head, having its apex at the back of the eye. The female is a dull-coloured bird of various shades of brown. Length 15 in.; wing 6·75 in.