THE RED-HEADED DUCK. 467 



into the water again, he may continue to steal upon the 

 flock till he has satisfied his disposition for slaughter. Mr. 

 James Fortiscue, my very interesting correspondent at 

 York Factory, Hudson's Bay, says that in that locality these 

 birds breed " on islands in lakes." 



The nest is similar to that of the Scoters; the eggs, about 

 2.12X1.56, being "pale, yellowish-green." 



Wintering with us as far south as New Jersey, this species 

 ranges throughout the northern hemisphere. 



THE RED-HEADED DUCK. 



On the 30th of March (1882), while Niagara River was 

 lashed into a tempest by a raw west wind, I saw from the 

 north side of Buckhorn Island a flock of hundreds of Red- 

 heads {Fuligula ferhid) riding down the middle of the cur- 

 rent in the most perfect repose. Nearly every one had the 

 head resting on the back, the bill under the scapulars. 

 Only occasionally was there one which seemed to act as sen- 

 tinel. Several Widgeons also, whose white crowns rendered 

 them quite conspicuous, were in the flock. There was 

 something very impressive in this long line, many abreast, 

 of living creatures, rocked and tossed on the foaming 

 breakers, and yet reposing as sweetly as if on some quiet 

 inland lake. Long did I scan them, and much did I admire 

 them, as the field-glass brought them just before me. 



A more complete study of these interesting Ducks was 

 reserved for me, however, on St. Clair Flats. Here they 

 are very abundant in the migrations, and not a few remain 

 to breed. In the bright, hot days of June, small flocks may 

 be seen diving leisurely for food, along the deeper and more 

 rapid channels, thus procuring their fare of small mollusks 

 and fishes, the larvae of aquatic insects, and the roots and 

 leaves of certain aquatic plants. Not infrequently the 



