458 WEB-FOOTED BIRDS. 



MERGANSERS. (Mergus, Linn.) 



With the bill long, or only of moderate dimensions, straight^ 

 somewhat cylindric, broader than high at the base, narrow, and some- 

 what compressed at the point ; the edges serrated, and with the 

 subulate and sharp teeth inclining backwards ; -the upper mandible 

 hooked and furnished with a nail at the tip. Nostrils lateral, near 

 the middle of the bill, very small and pervious. Tongue almost 

 subulate, but thick, covered with recurved papillae. Feet placed 

 far back, robust, and turned outward ; the tibia retracted into the 

 abdomen } tarsus much compressed, shorter than the middle toe j 

 webs full and entire ; hind toe equal to a joint of the middle one, 

 touching the ground only at tip, and furnished with a broad mem- 

 brane ; nails hooked. Wings moderate, acute; 1st and 2d prima- 

 ries about equal and longest. Tail short and rounded, consisting of 

 from 16 to 20 feathers. 



The female and young differ greatly in plumage from the adult 

 male. They moult annually, the old male in the spring, the female 

 and young in autumn. The plumage extremely thick and compact. 

 The trachea of the male is furnished with two large expansions. 



The Mergansers have a great resemblance to the Ducks ; they 

 live equally in the water, swim deep and dive often and with great 

 facility, proceeding with the velocity of a fish under water, and em- 

 ploying their wings in this element as if in the air. They also fly 

 swiftly and for a considerable time together in removing from place 

 to place, and in the execution of their protracted and distant migra- 

 tions. They dwell habitually in cold countries, where they pass 

 the period of reproduction, and are only seen commonly in tempe- 

 rate climates at the approach of winter. The Mergansers are much 

 more wild and untameable than Ducks, and seem only capable of sub- 

 sisting in /era naturcB. They feed principally on fish and amphibious 

 reptiles. From the posterior position of their feet they are scarcely 

 capable of walking, tottering from side to side with the utmost em- 

 barrassment. They breed on the ground or in hollow trees near 

 freshwaters, retiring for the purpose often far into the interior ; the 

 nest is lined with down, and the eggs are from 8 to 14. The male 

 keeps near the nest while the female is sitting ; and the young are 

 conducted to the water as soon as they are hatched, but by the 



