OF NORTH AMERICA. 9 
throat are gray, with a patch of rich brownish- 
red on the throat in the old bird, which is 
lacking, or nearly so, in the young birds, 
which, however, are easily recognized by the 
numerous white spots on the back. 
Habitat — About the same as No. 1, but 
somewhat more confined to the salt water. 
5. *AMERICAN MERGANSER. 
GOOSANDER. POND SHELDRAKE. 
Merganser americanus. 
Predominating color, black; under parts 
dirty yellowish-white. Head with a slight 
crest. Wing mostly white. Female of more 
subdued colors. Iris of eye carmine red in 
male, yellow in female. Feet generally yel- 
low; bright red in the male in the spring. 
Bil red, saw-toothed on the mouth, with a 
pronounced hook on the end. Average 
length about 2 feet; extent nearly 3 feet. 
The female is much smaller than the male. 
