AMERICAN MERGANSER
129. Mergus americanus. 25 in.
Bill, feet and eye red in male, the former with a black stripe along the
top; plumage black and white, with a greenish-black head; no crest.
Female gray and white, with brown head, crested; chin white; eye yellow.
These birds have the bill long, not flattened, but edged with sharp
teeth to grasp the fish, upon which they live to a great extent. They
are exceptionally good swimmers for members of this family, and can
chase and catch their fish, using their wings to aid their legs in
propelling them through the water.
Nest.—In holes of trees, cavities among the rocks, or less often on the
ground. The nest is made of leaves and grasses and lined with downy
feathers from the breast of the female. The 6 to 9 eggs are creamy-buff
(2.7 × 1.75); June.
Range.—Whole of North America. Breeds from New Brunswick, North Dakota
and California, northward. Winters from the northern boundary of the
U.S. south to the Gulf of Mexico.
[Illustration: ]
RED-BREASTED MERGANSER
130. Mergus serrator. 22 in.
Eye, bill and feet red, like those of the last species, but the head is
crested on the male, as well as the female, and a band across his breast
is mixed rusty and black streaks. The female has not as brightly colored
a head as the female of the American Merganser, and the throat is not
pure white. They can be distinguished in any plumage, from the fact that
the nostril is nearer the eye than it is the tip of the bill, while that
of the last species is located midway between the eye and the tip of the
bill. This is the species that is most often found in salt water. It is
also found inland but not as commonly as the last.
Notes.—A low croak.
Nest.—On the ground, concealed in tufts of long grass or overhanging
rocks. Their 5 to 10 eggs are olive buff in color (2.50 × 1.70); June,
July.
Range.—Breeds from Maine and Ill., northward; winters throughout the
United States.
[Illustration: ]
HOODED MERGANSER
131. Lophodytes cucullatus. 17 in.
Bill short compared to those of other mergansers, and black. It is not
apt to be mistaken for any other duck, because of its small size and the
large crest with which both sexes are adorned, that of the male being
black with a large, white patch, and that of the female plain brown.
The male has the power of raising or lowering his crest; when excited he
will at times repeatedly open and shut it like a fan. When at a distance
on the water, the male might possibly be mistaken for the Buffle-head,
as that species also has white on the head, but its back also is largely
white. Both male and female have yellow eyes.
Notes.—Low, muttered croakings.
Nest.—In holes of trees on the banks of, or near, streams or lakes. The
bottom of the cavity is lined with grasses and down, and on this they
lay 8 to 12 grayish white eggs (2.15 × 1.70); May, June.
Range.—Breeds locally throughout the U. S., but most abundantly north of
our borders; winters in the South.
[Illustration: ]
MALLARD
132. Anas platyrhynchos. 23 in.
Male.—Head, green; speculum purplish-blue; bill olive-green; legs
orange; eyes brown. The female most closely resembles the Black Duck but
is lighter colored, more brownish, and the speculum, or wing patch, is
always bordered with white. This species is one of the handsomest and
most valuable of ducks. It is the cogener of the domestic ducks, and is
largely used as a table bird.
Their food consists chiefly of mollusks and tender grasses. These they
usually get in shallow water by “tipping up,” that is, reaching the
bottom without going entirely under water. They also visit meadows and
the edges of grain and rice fields for food.
Notes.—A nasal “quack,” often rapidly repeated when they are feeding.
Nest.—Of grass, lined with downy feathers, concealed in tufts of grass
near the water’s edge. The 6 to 10 eggs are buffy or olive-greenish
(2.25 × l.65).
Range.—Breeds from the northern tier of states northward; winters in
southern half of the U.S.
[Illustration: ]
BLACK DUCK
133. Anas rubripes. 22 in.
General plumage mottled blackish, the feathers having lighter edges;
throat, buffy, streaked with blackish; crown and line through eye,
nearly solid blackish; speculum bluish-purple, with no white; bill
greenish-black; legs brownish. Black Ducks breed locally in pairs,
throughout northern United States and southern Canada. This is the
species most often seen in New England. When in flight, it can usually
be recognized by the dark colored underparts and the white lining to the
wings. Its habits are just like those of the Mallard, with which it is
closely related.
Notes.—A “quack,” like that of the Mallard.
Nest.—Placed on the ground, not far distant from the water’s edge; made
of grass and feathers; the 6 to 10 eggs are buff-colored (2.30 × 1.70);
May, June.
Range.—Breeds locally from N. Y. and Iowa northward; winters south to
the Gulf.
[Illustration: ]
FLORIDA DUCK
134. Anas fulvigula. 21 in.
Much lighter than the Black Duck, all the feathers being broadly
margined with buffy; throat nearly clear buffy without markings. The
habits of this species, which is restricted to Florida and the Gulf
coast to Louisiana, are the same as those of the northern Black Duck.
Notes.—Precisely like those of the Mallard.
Nest.—Of grass and down, on the ground, the eggs being like those of the
Black Duck but averaging a trifle smaller (2.15 × 1.50); April.
Range.—Florida and the Gulf coast to La.; resident. 134a., Mottled Duck
(A. f. maculosa), is very similar to the Florida species, but is mottled
with black on the belly, instead of streaked. It is found on the coast
of Texas and north to Kansas.
[Illustration: ]
GADWALL
135. Chaulelasmus streperus. 20 in.
Male with chestnut wing coverts and white speculum; lining of wings
white; eyes brown. The female is similar, but the back and wings are
brownish-gray and the speculum gray and white. A rather rare migrant in
New England, common in the Middle States and abundant west of the
Mississippi. They are usually found in meadows and grain fields
bordering marshes or lakes. As is usual with ducks, these do most of
their feeding early in the morning or after dusk, and spend the greater
part of the day in sleeping. They are of the most active and noisy of
ducks, which accounts for their Latin name “streperus,” meaning noisy.
Notes.—A rapid, shrill quacking.
Nest.—Feather-lined hollows in the ground, concealed by patches of weeds
or tall grass. Eggs 7 to 10, creamy buff color (2.10 × 1.60); May, June.
Range.—Northern Hemisphere; breeds in northern United States, except the
eastern portion, and in Canada; winters along the South Atlantic and
Gulf coasts.
[Illustration: ]
WIDGEON
Mareca penelope. 19 in.
Crown buffy; head reddish brown; wing coverts white; speculum green.
Female with blackish speculum, and a pale, rusty head, neck, breast and
sides, streaked or barred with blackish. The Widgeon is an Old World
duck that rarely, and accidentally, strays to our Atlantic or Pacific
coasts. It breeds in America only in the Aleutian Islands. Its habits
are the same as the next species, our American Widgeon.
In the Old World it is regarded as one of the best of table ducks. Its
food consists of marine and freshwater insects, small shell-fish,
seaweed and grass. Its nidification is just like that of the Baldpate.
[Illustration: ]
BALDPATE; AMERICAN WIDGEON
137. Mareca americana. 19 in.
Wing coverts and top of head white; rest of head and neck finely specked
with black; speculum and broad stripe back of eye, green; female,
similar but with the whole head specked, and with no green on the ears.
They can usually be identified at a distance by the absence of any dark
areas, and when flying by the whiteness of the underparts. Baldpates are
common and well known birds throughout North America, where they are
called by a great variety of names, most of which refer to the bald
appearance of the top of the head, owing to the white feathers. Their
food consists of mollusks, insects, grain, and tender shoots of grass;
their flesh is, consequently, very palatable and they are much sought as
table birds.
Notes.—A shrill, clear whistle.
Nest.—Of grass, lined with feathers from the breast of the female;
situated on the ground in tall grass near the water’s edge. 8 to 10 buff
eggs (2.15 × 1.50); June.
[Illustration: ]
GREEN-WINGED TEAL
139. Nettion carolinense. 14 in.
Head reddish-brown; speculum and large patch back of eye, green; a white
crescent in front of wing. Female with the head and neck whitish, finely
streaked with dusky; wings as in male. These ducks are abundant in most
parts of the United States, but are rather uncommon in New England. They
are usually seen in flocks of ten or a dozen, and often a single bird,
or two or three, may be found with a flock of Mallards. They frequent
ponds, marshes and rush-grown shores of creeks, rivers or lakes, feeding
upon shellfish, insects, aquatic plants and seeds.
Notes.—Shrill, piping whistles, rapidly repeated.
Nest.—On the ground under the shelter of tall grass; it is made of weeds
and grass, and lined with feathers. They lay from 5 to 9 eggs, buffy
(1.85 × 1.25); May, June.
Range.—Breeds from the northern tier of states northward; winters from
Va., Ill. and British Columbia, southward.
[Illustration: ]
BLUE-WINGED TEAL
140. Querquedula discors. 15.5 in.
Male.—Head gray, with a white crescent in front of the eye; underparts
buffy, heavily spotted with black; wing coverts blue; speculum green.
Female similar to the female Green-winged Teal, but with blue wing
coverts. Teal can easily be distinguished from other ducks by their
small size; the present species can usually be separated from the last,
by the darker underparts, the longer neck and smaller head. Their flight
is very rapid; it probably appears to be more rapid than that of other
ducks because of the much smaller size of the Teal. They usually fly in
compact lines and when ready to alight, do so very precipitously.
Notes.—A weak, but rapidly uttered quacking.
Nest.—Made of weeds, placed in tall grass bordering marshes or ponds. 6
to 10 buffy eggs are laid during May or June (1.90 × 1.30).
Range.—Breeds from Maine, Ohio and Kansas northward; winters in the
lower half of eastern United States.
[Illustration: ]
CINNAMON TEAL
141. Querquedula cyanoptera. 16 in.
Male with the whole head, neck and underparts bright cinnamon; wings as
in the Blue-winged species. Female similar to the female Blue-wing, but
more rusty below, and the throat is tinted or quite dark, while that of
the last species is usually light. These beautiful birds are very
abundant west of the Rocky Mountains, but are of only casual or
accidental occurrence east of the Mississippi Valley and sometimes
Southern Florida. Their favorite nesting places are in fields of tall
grass or clover, in close proximity to marshes or ponds.
Nest.—Compactly woven of grasses and lined with down; they lay from
eight to as many as thirteen buffy white eggs, size 1.85 × 1.35; May,
June.
Range.—Breeds in Western United States and British Columbia. Occurs
rarely in the Mississippi Valley, Southern Texas and Florida.
[Illustration: ]
SHOVELLER
142. Spatula clypeata. 20 in.
Bill long, and much broader at the tip than at the base; head and
speculum green; belly reddish-brown; breast and back, white; wing
coverts, pale blue; eye yellow; feet orange. Female with head, neck and
underparts, brownish-yellow, specked or streaked with dusky; wings as in
the male, but not as brightly colored. Easily recognized in any plumage
by the large, broad bill. If it were not for this large and ungainly
shaped bill, this species might be classed as one of our most beautiful
ducks, when in full plumage, which is only during the breeding season;
at other seasons the head of the male is largely mixed with blackish.
Nest.—Of fine grasses and weeds, lined with feathers; they lay 6 to 10
grayish eggs (2.10 × 1.50); May.
Range.—Whole of the northern hemisphere. Breeds in America, from
Minnesota and Dakota northwards, and locally farther south; winters on
the South Atlantic and Gulf coasts; rare during migrations on the North
Atlantic coast.
[Illustration: ]
PINTAIL
143. Dafila acuta. 22 in.
Tail pointed, and, in the male, with the two central feathers
considerably lengthened; neck unusually long and slender for a duck;
form more slender than that of other ducks. Male with brownish head and
stripe down back of neck; back and sides barred with black and white;
speculum green, bordered with white or buff. Female mottled brownish,
buffy and black, but to be known by the sharply pointed tail feathers
and long neck; speculum brownish. These ducks are strong swimmers and
good fliers, but poor divers; they get their food the same as does the
Mallard by “tipping up,” their long neck enabling them to feed in
comparatively deep water. They are quite timid and lurk in the tall
grass of the marshes during the daytime, feeding chiefly after dark.
Notes.—Quacks like those of the Mallard.
Nest.—On the ground, and like that of other ducks, well lined with
feathers; 6 to 12 eggs (2.20 × 1.50).
Range.—Breeds from Ill. and Iowa northward; winters in southern half of
the U. S.
[Illustration: ]
WOOD DUCK
144. Aix sponsa. 19 in.
Head crested in both sexes, the feathers being especially lengthened on
the nape. No other American duck that can possibly be mistaken for them.
The male Wood Duck is the most beautiful of the family, in this or any
other country, its only rival being the gaily colored Mandarin, of
China. In summer, they may be found about the edges of clear ponds or
lakes, especially those located in woods remote from human habitations.
They are very local in their distribution and only one or two pairs will
be found in a locality. In most parts of their range they are rapidly
diminishing in numbers.
Notes.—A soft whistled “peet, peet” and a squawky danger-note like
“hoo-eek, hoo-eek.”
Nest.—In the hollow of a tree usually near the water’s edge. The bottom
is lined with soft downy feathers, and 8 to 15 buffy eggs are laid (2.00
× 1.50).
Range.—Whole of the United States and southern Canada, breeding locally
throughout the range. Winters in southern half of the U. S.
[Illustration: ]
REDHEAD
146. Marila americana. 19 in.
Note the shape of the bill of this species, as compared to that of the
similarly colored Canvas-back. The male Redhead has a bluish bill with a
black tip, and his back is much darker than that of the Canvas-back; eye
yellow. The female has the throat white and the back plain
grayish-brown, without bars. Redheads dive and swim with great agility;
they feed largely upon water plants and mollusks which they get from the
bottom of ponds, or along the seashore. They breed very abundantly in
the sloughs of the prairies in the Northwest.
Notes.—A hollow, rapid croaking.
Nest.—Of grasses, lined with feathers, in marshes. Their 6 to 12 eggs
are buffy white (2.40 × 1.70); May, June.
Range.—Breeds chiefly in the interior, from Minnesota and Dakota
northward, and to a lesser degree north from Maine. Winters in southern
part of the U. S.
[Illustration: ]
CANVAS-BACK
147. Marila vallisneria. 21 in.
Differs from the Redhead in the shape of its black bill, its blackish
forehead, very light back and red eyes. The female has the back
grayish-brown, finely barred with black. Like the last species,
Canvas-backs are excellent swimmers and divers, and can secure their
food from a considerable depth. In winter they are found in great
abundance on the Atlantic coast from Maryland southward, and are one of
the most persistently hunted birds, for their flesh is much esteemed,
and they have a high market value. They are seen in large flocks, and
are difficult to approach, but are said to decoy as easily as any other.
Notes.—Harsh croaks, little different from those of the Redhead.
Nest.—On the ground in marshes or sloughs, the hollow being lined with
grasses and feathers from the breast of the female; 6 to 10 eggs (2.40 ×
1.70).
Range.—Breeds in the interior from Minnesota and Dakota northward;
winters from Maryland and British Columbia southward. Rare in New
England.
[Illustration: ]
AMERICAN SCAUP DUCK
148. Marila marila. 18 in.
Head black, glossed with greenish; speculum white; bill dull bluish; eye
yellow. Female resembles that of the Redhead, but has a white speculum.
These ducks are perhaps better known as Blue-bills, than as Scaup Ducks.
They are one of the most abundant migrants on the Atlantic coast, and
are one of the most active of the family, diving at the flash of a gun.
Notes.—A peculiar grunting quack.
Nest.—Of grass and feathers on the ground in marshes.
Range.—Breeds from Minnesota and Dakota northward. Winters south of New
England.
LESSER SCAUP DUCK
149. Marila affinis. 17 in.
Slightly smaller than the last, and with the head of the male glossed
purple instead of green.
Range.—Breeding range same as that of the last; winters in the southern
half of the U. S.
[Illustration: ]
RING-NECKED DUCK
150. Marila collaris. 17 in.
Male with a narrow chestnut neck ring; head glossed with purple; back
black; chin white; bill blackish, with a bluish band near the end; eye
yellow. Female with white cheeks, eye ring and region about the base of
the bill; otherwise similar to the female of the Redhead, but smaller.
These ducks are usually met in flocks of from one to three dozen, the
same as the preceding two black-headed ducks. Their flight is very
rapid, and they are equally agile when in the water. They are seen on
the Atlantic coast only in winter, and remain just as far north as the
water remains open.
Notes.—A low grunting “quanck.”
Nest.—Of grasses and feathers in marshes and on bogs. The 6 to 10 eggs
are grayish-white (2.25 × 1.60); June.
Range.—Breeds in the interior of Minnesota northwards; winters
throughout the United States.
[Illustration: ]
BUFFLE-HEAD
153. Charitonetta albeola. 14 in.
Head iridescent with green, purple and blue, and with a large white
patch extending from eye to eye, across the back of the puffy crest.
Female with a white patch on either side of her brownish head; speculum
white. They are known by a great variety of names such as “Butter Ball,”
“Spirit Duck,” “Dipper,” etc., the majority of which refer to the
celerity with which they can disappear under the water. They are always
on the alert and will dive at the flash of a gun. They are able to
continue incessant diving for a long period and can remain under water
for a long time. Their flight is very rapid, and when alighting in the
water they make considerable splash, but can take wing from it easier
than the majority of ducks.
Notes.—A single guttural croak.
Nest.—In hollow trees; eggs greenish gray (2.00 × 1.40); June.
Range.—Breeds from the northern boundary of the U. S. northward; winters
throughout the U. S.
[Illustration: ]
AMERICAN GOLDEN-EYE
151. Clangula clangula americana. 20 in.
Head puffy, or slightly crested. Male with greenish head and a round
white spot between bill and eye. Female with a brownish head and white
speculum.
Notes.—A hoarse croak, rarely uttered.
Nest.—In cavities of hollow trees near ponds or on the banks of streams.
6 to 10 grayish green eggs (2.30 × 1.70); June.
Range.—Breeds from the northern parts of the northern tier of states,
northward; winters throughout the U. S.
BARROW GOLDEN-EYE
152. Clangula islandica. 20 in.
Head bluish with a white crescent at base of bill; eye bright yellow in
both this and the last species; female practically indistinguishable
from the preceding, although the bill of the present species is shorter
and comparatively higher at the base.
Range.—Breeds from Northern U. S. north to Labrador and Alaska, and in
the Rockies, south to Colorado; winters in the northern half of the U.
S.
[Illustration: ]
OLD SQUAW; LONG-TAILED DUCK
154. Harelda hyemalis. ♂ 21; ♀ 16 in.
This species is one of the very few ducks that change their plumages in
summer and winter. The female is marked similarly to the male but is
very much duller colored, and lacks the long tail feathers with which
the male is adorned. They are sea ducks and, while they are usually
found to some extent on some of the larger lakes or ponds, during
migrations, they are very abundant on the Atlantic coast. They are
excellent swimmers and dive to great depths in search of food. It is
said (Nelson) that in their summer home, during the mating season, they
frequently dive under the water from the air, a habit that none of the
other ducks, except rarely the Pintail, indulge in.
Notes.—A confused, but rather musical gabbling.
Nest.—On the ground near water; thickly lined with downy feathers; eggs
laid in June.
Range.—Breeds from Labrador and Alaska northward; winters south to Long
Island Sound and the upper Mississippi Valley.
[Illustration: ]
HARLEQUIN DUCK
155. Histrionicus histrionicus. 17 in.
Male very oddly and handsomely marked, as shown; female blackish-brown,
lighter below and with a whitish spot before and one behind each eye.
During the winter, they are seen in flocks off the coast, from Maine and
sometimes from Long Island Sound northward. In summer, they are usually
found only in pairs along rivers or creeks, and in the Rocky Mountains
they frequent the turbulent streams that are the homes of the Water
Ouzel. When swimming, Harlequins sit high in the water, but they are
able to get under the surface with the greatest of speed.
Notes.—A rapidly uttered, clattering whistle.
Nest.—On the ground, in crevices under rocks, the hollow being well
lined with down; also said to nest in hollow trees; their 5 to 8 eggs
are greenish-buff and measure 2.30 × 1.60; June.
Range.—Breeds from New Brunswick north and northwest to Alaska and the
Arctic Ocean, and south in the Rockies to Colorado; winters south to the
Middle States and Calif.
[Illustration: ]
LABRADOR DUCK
156. Camptorhynchus labradorius. 20 in.
Male with the head, breast and wings, white; narrow stripe over the top
of the head and down the back of the neck, ring around the neck, back,
primaries and entire underparts, black. Female mottled brownish-gray and
blackish, with white speculum.
Labrador Ducks were never very abundant within the memory of any living
person, but they were occasionally shot and were found sometimes in the
New York markets. At that time little heed was paid to them and they
became extinct before anyone realized the fact. Their record has been
traced down to 1875, since which time none have been taken. As far as
known there are but 38 or 40 of them preserved. They were formerly found
from Long Island Sound north to Labrador.
[Illustration: ]
NORTHERN EIDER
159. Somateria mollissima borealis. 23 in.
Base of bill extends on either side of forehead in a point, a mark that
will distinguish it from the next and very similar species, in any
plumage. The female Eider presents a most remarkable difference in
plumage from that of the male, and, unlike the females of most species,
is a very handsome bird.
Nest.—Of grasses lined with down; concealed in tall grass or under
bushes; the 6 to 10 eggs are greenish-drab (3.00 × 2.00); May, June.
Range.—Breeds on Labrador and Greenland coasts.
AMERICAN EIDER
160. Somateria dresseri. 23 in.
This is the Eider that is usually seen on the Atlantic coast and is the
only one that breeds south of Labrador. The base of the bill, that
encroaches on either side of the forehead is rounded, and broader than
that of the last. They nest from Maine (rarely) northward, and winter
south to Long Island.
[Illustration: ]
KING EIDER
162. Somateria spectabilis. 23 in.
The feathers of the sides of the bill of this species do not reach to
the nostril, while in the two preceding ones, they do. This is the chief
point of difference in distinguishing the females, which very closely
resemble each other. Adult males, as can be seen, are very different
from the other Eiders. As is usual with the Eiders, the male of this
species moults to a plumage resembling that of the female, during the
late summer, when he has shed his wing feathers and is, for a period
flightless. This is a part of Nature’s plan to give her feathered
children protection when they most need it. While the females are
sitting upon the eggs, they are deserted by the males, which congregate
in large flocks, and drift aimlessly about until joined by the females
in Fall.
Nest.—A depression in the ground, lined with feathers. Eggs like those
of the last species.
Range.—Breeds from northern Labrador and the Aleutian Islands, Alaska,
northward; winters south to Maine and casually to Long Island Sound.
[Illustration: ]
AMERICAN SCOTER
163. Oidemia americana. 19 in.
Adult male, entirely black; bill black with enlarged base yellow; eye
brown. Female plain brownish-black, lighter below. All the Scoters are
better known to sportsmen as “coots,” this species being the
Butter-billed Coot, while the female is the Gray Coot.
Notes.—A long musical whistle. (Elliott).
Nest.—On the ground usually well concealed. Their 6 to 10 eggs are a
creamy buff color (2.50 × 1.70).
Range.—Breeds from Labrador northward. Winters south to the Middle
States and Lake States.
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.
[Illustration: ]
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).
Range.—Breeds from Newfoundland, Manitoba, and British Columbia
northward; winters south to Virginia, Ohio and California.
[Illustration: ]
RUDDY DUCK
167. Erismatura jamaicensis. 15 in.
Bill short, broad, with an upturned appearance; tail feathers very
narrow, stiff and pointed. Male in summer, with black crown, whitish
cheeks, throat and belly, and reddish-brown back, breast and sides. In
winter, the cheeks are duller colored and the back mixed with grayish.
Female with crown, back and sides grayish; cheeks showing traces of
white as on the male. These ducks are very sprightly, either in the
water, on land, or a-wing. Their flight is very rapid, their stiff,
short wings producing a buzzing sound that gives them the local name of
Bumble Bee Coot. They have a great variety of names referring to some
character of their form, such as Broad-bill Dipper, Bull-neck,
Bristle-tail, etc.
Nest.—Of grasses or rushes, lined with down, placed in tall grass near
the water or in clumps of rushes growing out of the water; 6 to 12
grayish eggs (2.40 × 1.75), very large for the size of the bird; June.
Range.—Breeds in the interior of northern U. S. and in Canada; winters
in southern United States.
[Illustration: ]
LESSER SNOW GOOSE
169. Chen hypeboreus. 25 in.
Plumage entirely white; ends of primaries black; top and back of head
sometimes tinged with rusty; bill and feet red; eye brown. This variety
is like the next, which is the bird commonly seen in the East, although
the Lesser Goose is found east to the Mississippi Valley.
GREATER SNOW GOOSE
169a. C. h. nivalis. 33 in.
Snow Geese travel in large flocks, the same as do the Canada Geese, led
by an old male that has traveled the airy road many times before. At
times, flocks are seen on the prairies, so large that they give the
ground the appearance of being covered with snow. They are very wary and
will all take flight at the first alarm.
Notes.—Usually silent, but they sometimes “honk.”
Nest.—Of grasses, sometimes, but not always, lined with down; 5 to 8
buffy white eggs (3.40 × 2.40); June.
Range.—Breeds in the Arctic regions; winters on the South Atlantic
coast.
[Illustration: ]
BLUE GOOSE
169.1. Chen cœrulescens. 28 in.
Head and neck white, often tinged with rusty on the face; underparts
brownish-gray. Young birds are similar but the head is brownish; bill
and feet reddish; eye brown. This handsome goose is found only in the
interior, but a few accidental birds have been taken on the Atlantic and
two on the Pacific coasts. While it is not an abundant species, flocks
of twenty or thirty are often seen in the Mississippi Valley. They are
sometimes seen with Snow Geese, but for the most part keep by
themselves. On their march to their breeding grounds they branch off
from the routes chosen by the Snow Geese, and turn to the eastward,
breeding east of Hudson Bay, while the white geese are found chiefly to
the westward.
Nest.—A grass-lined depression on the ground; eggs deep buff color (2.50
× 1.75); June.
Range.—Breeds in the Hudson Bay region and in Labrador; winters on the
west coast of the Gulf of Mexico, migrating through the Mississippi
Valley.
[Illustration: ]
AMERICAN WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE
171a. Anser albifrons gambeli. 28 in.
Forehead, white; head and neck gray; underparts mixed black and white;
feet yellow; bill pinkish; eye brown. These geese reach the U. S. on
their return from the Arctic regions about the first of October; they
are very abundant on the Pacific coast and fairly common in the
Mississippi Valley, but are rare on the Atlantic coast. They are very
noisy birds and in some sections of the country are known as Laughing
Geese. From being shot at so frequently, they are very wild and
difficult to approach, sentinels being stationed to give alarm if danger
approaches, when they are feeding.
Notes.—A confused honking, likened to laughter.
Nest.—Of grasses on the ground, usually in marshes; nearly always lined
with down from the breast of the female. The four to nine eggs are buffy
(3.00 × 2.05); May, June.
Range.—Breeds in the Arctic regions, chiefly west of Hudson Bay; winters
south to the Gulf coast and Calif.; rare on the Atlantic coast.
[Illustration: ]
CANADA GOOSE
172. Branta canadensis. 38 in.
The best known and most widely distributed of our geese. In the northern
states they are always eagerly looked for in the Spring, for their
arrival is a sure indication that the backbone of Winter has broken.
Their familiar honking is heard long before the thin, wavering, black,
V-shaped line appears on the horizon; as it draws nearer, the volume of
sound increases, resembling the baying of a pack of hounds, and at last,
the flock sweeps overhead with deafening cries; large birds, with long
necks fully outstretched, wings beating the air in unison, and all
following the leadership of one bird in their journey over their
invisible path.
Nest.—Of grasses and feathers, on marshes or near ponds; 4 to 9 buffy
drab eggs (3.50 × 2.50); May, June.
Range.—Breeds from Labrador, Dakota, and British Columbia northward;
winters in Southern U. S. 172a. Hutchins Goose (B. c. hutchinsii) is
smaller (31 in.) and found in Western N. A., casually east of the Miss.
172c. Cackling Goose (B. c. minima) is still smaller (24 in.); is found
in the same range.
[Illustration: ]
BRANT
173a. Branta bernicla glaucogastra. 26 in.
Head, back and breast black, sharply defined against the grayish-white
of the underparts; a whitish patch on either side of the neck. They are
very abundant on the Atlantic coast in winter, and when not too
persistently hunted are unsuspicious; they do not fly in regular
formation like the Canada geese, nor do they appear to have any special
leader. They are inquisitive and easily decoyed, and consequently large
numbers of them are shot annually. They are noisy, their notes being a
peculiar, guttural “car-r-r-rup” or “r-r-rup,” and when in the presence
of a large flock, the sound is deafening. (Elliott).
They feed upon tender water plants and roots, which they get from the
bottom by tipping up, and not by diving.
Nest.—A depression in the ground, lined with grass and feathers; eggs
grayish-buff (2.80 × 1.75); June.
Range.—Breeds in the Arctic regions; winters on the Atlantic coast and
less often in the Mississippi Valley, from Mass. and Ill. southward.
[Illustration: ]
BLACK-BELLIED TREE DUCK
177. Dendrocygna autumnalis. 22 in.
Legs and neck long; bill and feet pinkish; eye brown; head and neck
chiefly gray; breast and back brownish; belly and under tail coverts,
black; wing-coverts white and gray. These peculiar shaped ducks are not
rare in certain localities along the Rio Grande in Southern Texas, and
are abundant in Mexico and Central America. They are not timid and are
frequently caught and domesticated. They can walk and run gracefully,
and often feed in grain fields at considerable distance from water; they
also eat shoots and seeds of aquatic plants. Like the Wood Duck, they
nest in hollow trees, often at some distance from water, and, as soon as
the young appear, help them to the ground and lead them to the water.
Notes.—A loud, shrill whistle.
Nest.—Usually lined with down, in cavities of hollow trees; the 6 to 15
eggs are pure white (2.05 × 1.50); May.
Range.—Found in the United States only in the Southern part of Texas.
[Illustration: ]
FULVOUS TREE DUCK
178. Dendrocygna bicolor. 22 in.
Form like that of the last, but with the head, neck, rump and underparts
rusty, and with no white in the wings. The Fulvous Duck is much more
abundant in the United States than the Black-bellied, and is casually
found as far north as Kansas and Nevada, while it is regularly found in
Texas and Louisiana, where it is known as the Long-legged Duck. Owing to
the nature of its diet, which consists chiefly of grain, roots and water
plants, the flesh of this bird is esteemed as an article of food, and
many are killed for such. When wounded, they are said to be difficult to
capture, owing to the speed at which they can run; they also swim and
dive well.
Nest.—Located in the hollow of a tree, the bottom of the cavity usually
being lined with feathers. They lay from ten to fifteen pure white eggs,
and as many as thirty-two have been found in one nest, but these were
probably laid by two or more females; May.
Range.—Texas and Louisiana, and north casually to Kansas and Nevada.
Winters in Mexico.
[Illustration: ]
WHISTLING SWAN
180. Olor columbianus. 54 in.
Nostril situated at a greater distance from the eye than it is from the
end of the bill; a small yellow spot on the bare space in front of the
eye; plumage entirely white; bill and legs black. This is the swan that
is found on the Atlantic coast, and is most abundant in the Miss.
Valley. It is rare north of Chesapeake Bay, but it is abundant from
there southward, in winter. They make a beautiful sight against the blue
sky, their immense white wings slowly fanning the air and their long
necks extended.
Notes.—A peculiar, flageolet-like “Who, who, who.” (Elliott).
Nest.—A mass of weeds, grass and feathers on the ground; 3 to 6 greenish
buff eggs (4.00 × 2.75).
Range.—Breeds within the Arctic Circle; winters south to the Gulf of
Mexico; rare north of Va. on the Atlantic. 181. TRUMPETER SWAN (_Olor
bucinator_) is larger (65 in.) and is found west of the Miss. It breeds
from Ia., northwards. Nostril midway between eye and tip of bill.
[Illustration: ]
ORDER ODONTOGLOSSÆ
FLAMINGOES—Family Phœnicopteridæ
FLAMINGO
182. Phœncopterus ruber. 46 in.
These large, beautiful birds are found in Southern Florida, and casually
north to South Carolina, but it is doubtful if they breed within our
limits. They fly with their long neck fully extended and legs trailing
behind, a remarkable sight when a flock of several thousand is seen in
flight. In 1904, Mr. F. M. Chapman visited a large breeding colony in
the Bahamas, photographing the birds in every conceivable position.
Their nests are mud-built structures, about a foot high, placed close
together in the marshy interior of low lying islands, or on sandbars.
The top is slightly hollowed out to receive the single egg (3.40 ×
2.15), which is covered with a chalky deposit. They sit astride the nest
with their legs doubled under them.
Notes.—A honking like that of Canada Geese.
Range.—Resident in the Bahamas and West Indies; north to Florida.
[Illustration: ]
HERONS, STORKS, IBISES—Order Herodiones
Family Plataleidæ
ROSEATE SPOONBILL
183. Ajaia ajaja. 33 in.
Head entirely bald in adults, and only feathered to the eyes in young
birds; bill long, thin, flat and very much broadened at the end,
variously colored with green, blue and orange; eyes and legs red. Young
birds, without the bright carmine shoulders or saffron tail of the
adults. These peculiar but handsomely tinted birds were formerly
abundant in Florida and in the adjoining states, but so many have been
killed for their feathers, that they are now rare and confined to the
most inaccessible swamps of Southern Florida. Spoonbills travel and nest
in communities; their flight is strong and Heron-like, but they carry
their neck fully extended, their ample wings slowly beating the air.
Nest.—A frail structure of sticks, in mangroves or low trees; 3 or 4
pale, greenish blue eggs splashed with brown (2.50 × 1.70); May, June.
Range.—Florida and the Gulf States, and Southern Texas.
[Illustration: ]