NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 61 



130. Merganser serrator (LINN.) [637.] 



Red-breasted Merganser. 



Hab. Northern portion of Northern Hemisphere; south, in winter, throughout the United States. 



An inhabitant of the more northern portions of the Northern 

 Hemisphere, being common to Europe, Asia and North America. In 

 the latter continent it is more abundant than the M. americanns. Very 

 common in the United States in winter, where it is found breeding in 

 suitable localities in the months of May and June. The Red-breasted 

 Merganser breeds abundantly in Newfoundland, Labrador, the fur 

 countries of British America and Alaska. It is a resident of Green- 

 land and Iceland. 



It nests usually on the ground among brushwood, surrounded with 

 tall grasses and at a short distance from water ; most generally it is 

 concealed by a projecting rock or other object. The nest is made of 

 leaves and mosses, lined with feathers and down, which are plucked 

 from the breast of the bird. 



The number of eggs in a set varies from six to twelve, usually 

 about nine or ten ; oval or elliptical in shape, and vary in size from 

 2.48 to 2.65 long by 1.65 to 1.82 broad. The color is a yellowish or 

 reddish-drab, sometimes a dull buffy-green. 



131. Lophodytes cucullatus (LINN.) [638.] 



Hooded Merganser. 



Hab. North America generally, south to Mexico and Cuba. 



This handsome Merganser is an exclusively North American 

 species. In suitable places throughout its range, in wooded districts 

 near water almost wherever it occurs, it may be found breeding. It 

 nests in hollows of trees or stumps, lining the cavities with fine 

 grasses, leaves, feathers and down. In some localities the bird is 

 called " Water Pheasant" and " Hairy -head." Anyone can recognize 

 the male of this species by its striking black and white colors and its 

 magnificent, erect, compressed, semi - circular black and white crest. 

 The general color of the head, neck, sides and upper portions of the fe- 

 male are grayish - brown ; white beneath, and the crest is not so promi- 

 nent. As many as eighteen eggs have been found in a single nest ; 

 ten or twelve, however, appear to be the most common numbers, and 

 often as few as six are laid. 



They are of a delicate pearly - white, rounded oval and measure 

 from 2.05 to 2.25 long by 1.70 to 1.75 broad. 



132. Anas boschas LINN. [60 1.] 



Mallard. 



Hab. Northern parts of Northern Hemisphere; in America south to Panama and Cuba, breeding 

 southward to the Northern United States. 



The Green-head, or Mallard, is one of the most highly esteemed 



