BIRDS HUNTED FOR FOOD OR SPORT. 



59 



Fig. 3. — ■ Bill of Jlerganser. 



diving and fish-eating Ducks has the bill constructed especially 

 for seizing and holding its slippery prey. The bill is long, slim, 

 rather rounded, with a hooked nail at the end, and its upper 

 part is provided with 

 many tooth-like proc- 

 esses projecting back- 

 ward, like the teeth of 

 a shark (Fig. 3). These 

 Ducks otherwise some- 

 what resemble the Loons, except that their feet are not so far 

 back and their heads are usually crested. The hind toe has 

 a flap or lobe, and the feet are broadly webbed, as in all Sea 

 Ducks (see Fig. 6 on page 111). They are noted for their 

 strength, vitality and diving power. 



The Mergansers are commonly known as Sheldrakes. A 

 good field glass or telescope will enable the observer to dis- 

 tinguish them from all other Ducks, at a considerable distance, 

 by the long slim bill and the (usually) crested head. They 

 all show a greater or less white patch on the wing in flight, 

 and should not be confounded with the white-winged Scoter 

 or " Coot," which is darker below than the Sheldrakes. In 

 the field it is difficult for the novice to distinguish the females 

 and young of one species of Merganser from those of another: 

 but they may be identified, if seen in a good light, by one 

 who is well acquainted with the peculiarities of the different 

 species. 



