70 GAME BIRDS, WILD-FOWL AND SHORE BIRDS. 



is more or less broadened and flattened, and provided with 

 processes through which, with the aid of the flattened, pecul- 

 iarly constructed tongue, these Ducks are able to separate 

 their food from the mud or muddy water in which it is largely 

 found. These Ducks difl'er from both the 

 Mergansers and Sea Ducks in having no 

 lobe or flap on the hind toe (Fig. 4). 

 The plumage, though waterproof, is less 

 dense than in the Loons, Grebes and 

 Sheldrakes, and in the males it is often 

 very beautiful. Both sexes have usually 

 a glossy, brilliant patch on the wing. 



Fig. 4. — Foot of River Duck. 111*^1 • i i • i • 



called the muTor or speculum, which is 

 brightest in the male. The River Ducks might well be called 

 " surface-feeding Ducks," for, although some of them are good 

 divers, they all feed mainly in shallow water, by either dab- 

 bling in the surface mud or tipping their bodies forward and 

 thrusting their heads and necks under water. They feed 

 largely on succulent water plants and various forms of animal 

 life. The males of most species appear to undergo a double 

 molt in summer, during which they take on the " eclipse " 

 plumage, much resembling that of the female. These Ducks 

 are in great demand, both for food and sport, and their habit 

 of feeding near the shore gives the gunner his opportunity. 

 They need special protection. They have been diminishing 

 in numbers for years in New England, and all but one or two 

 have become rather rare in most of this region. Protection 

 in spring and summer will tend to bring them back to their 

 former haunts, as they are quick to find places of safety; but, 

 unless the laws are respected and enforced, we cannot expect 

 any lasting or permanent increase in the numbers of these 

 wary birds. 



