ANATIN^ — THE DUCKS — QUBRQUEDULA. 



537 



Captain Bendire found it more common than either of the other two species of Teal 

 in Eastern Oregon, where it breeds in large numbers. It begins laying about May 15, 

 and not infrequently he found its nest placed a hundred yards or more from the 

 nearest water. Dr. Merrill states tliat it passes through Texas in its migrations, but 

 is more abundant there in the spring than in the autumn. 



Its nest is composed of coarse grass lined with feathers from the breast of the 

 mother, and is placed in the marshes, usually near ponds and still water. The eggs 

 are from twelve to fourteen in number, and are described by some writers as of a 

 pale green color ; but I have never seen any to Avhich this description applies. 



Dr. Cooper obtained an egg, just ready for exclusion, froin a female killed on the 

 22d of June, at a pond close to the sea-beach near San Diego. He describes it as 

 bluish white, and as measuring 1.66 inches in length and 1.32 inches in breadth. 

 After the egg is laid the color becomes somewhat different. Eggs of this species 

 from Fort Crook, Cal. (Smithsonian Institution, No. 5252), are of an ivory-white 

 color, witli a deep creamy tinge. Three eggs present the following measurements : 

 1.85 by 1.40 inches, 1.75 by 1.35 inches, 1.90 by 1.35 inches. 



University Press : John Wilson & Son, Cambridge. 



