WYOMING BIrps. 
to 
N 
ORDER V. ANSERES. 
ANATIDAE (Ducks, Geese, and Swans). 
The ducks and geese are among the principal game birds of this 
region. The fact that they are decreasing in numbers is interesting, 
if not alarming. All those that breed with us should be protected 
in every possible way during the breeding season. A strict compli- 
ance with game laws and perhaps a restriction of the size of the 
bag should be fostered by sportsmen. 
The food of ducks consists of mollusks, crustaceans, insects 
and their larvae, and roots and seeds of aquatic plants. The youhg 
are frequently fed upon grasshoppers and shore insects. Their bills 
are adapted to straining the food from the mud. 
The Merganser is an exception, being a fish eater. 
REFERENCES : 
1. Chapman's Hand Book of Birds, 1912, p. 190. 
2. Year Book, Department of Agriculture, 1900, p. 435. 
3. North American Fauna, 7, p. 15. 
4. Bureau of Biological Survey, Circular No. 81. 
129. Mergus americanus: Merganser. 
Fairly common summer resident over most of the state. 
130. MerQus serrator: Red-breased Merganser. 
Uncommon migrant. Reported by Knight, and from the 
western part of the state by Blackwelder. Clearwaters also 
records it. | 
131. Lophodytes curcullatus: Hooded Merganser. 
Probably a summer resident over the entire state. The re- 
cent records are very meager. 7 
132. Anas platyrhynchos: Mallard. 
The most plentiful duck of the state. Summer resident in 
almost all localities. A few winter with us. 
135. Chaulelasmus streperus: Gadwall. 
Fairly common summer resident over most of the state. 
136. Mareca penelope: European Widgeon. 
Mr. Percival reports having taken a male specimen in 1910. 
There is one specimen in the collection of mounted birds 
at the Cheyenne High School which was presumably taken 
in that vicinity. 
