OF NORTH AMERICA. 15 
are some three varieties of this bird, differing 
only in minor points, due doubtless to climatic 
influences. They seem to prefer the fresh 
water more than do the Black duck, which 
they so closely resemble that the ordinary 
sportsman will hardly recognize the differ- 
ence without close observation, though the 
distinction is well marked, being somewhat 
lighter in general color than its near relative. 
iM GADWALL, “GRAY . DUCK: 
Anas strepera. 
Predominating color, gray with a yellow 
tinge ; back and breast darker, nearly brown. 
The scaly appearance noted in No. 9 is very 
noticeable in this variety, as the edges of 
the feathers are nearly white. Wing patch 
white. Bill blue-black, in the female lighter 
and blotched with orange. Legs orange, with 
dark webs. Eyes red-brown. Belly white, 
with gray lines. Extent of wings, a little 
less than 3 feet. Length of bird a little less 
than 2 feet, being a trifle smaller than either 
No. 8 or No. 9. Weight about 2 lbs. 
Habitat — Northern Hemisphere in general, 
principally in the interior, as it prefers the 
fresh water. These birds do not go in large 
flocks, but they make up for numbers by the 
noise they make; a small flock will create 
more disturbance than a raft of Black duck. 
They are comparatively bold; are clean feed- 
ers, and are excellent eating. 
