50 LAMELLIROSTRAL SWIMMERS — ANSERES. 



states that it is occasionally observed in Bermuda in the Avinter. Mr. Dresser received 

 the skin of a male bird Avhich had been taken at Fort Stockton ; and he was informed 

 that specimens were occasionally found at the Boca del Rio, in Southwestern Texas. 



Mr. Boardman informs me that this Duck is occasionally found in the neighbor- 

 hood of Calais, where a few remain and breed, nesting in trees. It is rare, however, 

 and he has not met with its nest. In Massachusetts it is more or less common from 

 September to April, being absent only during the severest weather, and in mild 

 winters remaining throughout the season. 



This, species is variously known as the "Dipper," from its dexterity in diving, 

 the "Buffle-head," from the apparently disproportionate size of its neck and head, as 

 well as " Butter-box " or " Butter-ball," and " Spirit Duck." Mr. Giraud states that 

 he has met with it in various parts of the United States, and has found it during the 

 spring and autiuun dispersed throughout the Union, visiting the interior as well as 

 the sea-coast. It dives so dexterously that it can be shot only with the greatest diffi- 

 culty when sitting on the water. It is an excellent swimmer, and flies swiftly, when 

 on the wing uttering a deep guttural note. Its food consists chiefly of small fish. It 

 is generally in fine condition, but is not considered a superior bird for the table. It is 

 generally met Avith in pairs until the appearance of spring, when it is seen in small 

 flocks. It arrives in Long Island in October, and remains until the latter part of 

 April, Avhen it leaves for the north. On the coast of New Jersey it is most generally 

 known either as the " Butter-box," or " Butter-ball." A Avriter in " Doughty's Cab- 

 inet " (I. 41), who claims to have studied the habits of this ])nck on the Avaters of Ches- 

 apeake Bay and its tributaries, states that it makes its first appearance in the upper 

 part of that bay as early as the first or second Aveek in October. It is said to be 

 one of the very first Ducks to make its appearance in those waters. The taste of its 

 flesh varies greatly, according to the different conditions under which th'3 bird has 

 lived, being at times very fishy, but occasionally having a very fine flavor. 



Mr. Lockhart met Avith this Duck on the Yukon Eiver, Avhere, by a mere accident, 

 he found its nest, concealed in the holloAV of a rotten stump of a tree near the bank 

 of that stream, and containing nine eggs. The female Avas supposed to have been 

 killed, incubation not having begun. This Avas presumed to have been her second 

 nest, the eggs having been taken from the first. Another nest Avas met Avitli by Mv. 

 Lockhart in the holloAV of a poplar-tree about tAventy feet from the ground ; it Avas 

 found near the Black River on the 7th of July. The hole Avas dug out in the same 

 manner as a Woodpecker's, and was an arm's length in depth, containing ten eggs. A 

 third nest Avas in the holloAv of a dead tree near a lake, and only five feet from the 

 ground. These nests had no other lining than down. The number of eggs was 

 usually nine or ten ; in one instance only six. 



Audubon met Avith this species on the 11th of May, 1833, near Eastport, in Maine. 

 During the period of its movement toAvard the north he found it exceedingly abun- 

 dant on the Avaters of the Bay of Fundy. The males in flocks, and in their full 

 summer dress, preceded the females about a fortnight. In the vicinity of JSTcav 

 Orleans this species is known as the "Marionette." He met Avith it, during extremely 

 cold weather, on the Ohio, Avhen the river Avas thickly covered with floating ice, 

 among Avhich it was seen diving, almost constantly, in search of food. When the 

 river Avas frozen over, these birds sought the head-waters of rapid streams, and in their 

 turbulent eddies found an abundance of food. Apparently feeling secure in the 

 rapidity Avith which they can dive, they allow a very near approach ; but at the first 

 snap of the gun dive with the quickness of thought, and often as quickly rise 

 again within a fcAv yards of the same spot. Their flight is usually Ioav, and made 



