36 THE GAME BIRDS 
36. RUDDY DUCK. BLUE-BILL. 
BROAD-BILE. 
Hrismatura rubida. 
Butter-ball. But this latter name must not 
confound it with the Buffle-head. 
Predominating color of full plumaged male, 
rich brownish-red. Top of head black, throat 
and sides of head white, belly silvery or gray- 
white. Generally this bird is brownish, hight 
beneath. Bill and feet bluish. Eyes red- 
brown. Easily distinguished from ducks of 
its size, by its broad, flat body, shovel-bill, and 
short neck and legs. Length 14 feet. Extent 
less than 2 feet. 
It habits the entire continent, and is now 
better known on inland waters than on the 
eastern coast. 
They are easy of approach but gently slide 
beneath the water on slight provocation. 
Expert divers, they am for some distance 
beneath the water, reappearing out of gun- 
shot. They feed upon seeds, roots and shell- 
fish, and are very edible, being fairly well 
flavored, fat and juicy. When food is plenti- 
ful, they gorge themselves to the utmost, and 
then are in prime condition for cooking. 
