342 SWIMMERS. 



ments. The only time when they can be approached within 

 gunshot, Hke so many other of the species, is about daybreak, 

 from an ambush or the shelter of some concealment. 



In the London markets these Ducks are sold under the 

 name of Dun Birds, and are very deservedly esteemed as a 

 delicate and well-flavored game. 



Although it has been said that this species will not live in 

 confinement, Mr. Rennie states that no bird appears sooner 

 reconciled to the menagerie ; and one in his possession which 

 had been badly wounded in tiie wing took immediately to feed- 

 ing on oats, and after three years confinement appeared very 

 tame, and remained in good health. 



The Redhead is generally distributed throughout North Amer- 

 ica, but is uncommon or rare in New England and the adjacent 

 Provinces, while common to abundant on the Great Lakes and 

 westward. It breeds from Maine northward, and winters in Ches- 

 apeake Bay, and south to the shores of the Gulf of Mexico. 



While in general appearance this bird is so like the Canvas-back 

 that purchasers are readily deceived as to the species the market- 

 man is offering them, yet the difference is so pronounced that but 

 little care is required to select the more delicately flavored of these 

 cousins. In the Canvas-back the head is dark brown, — almost 

 blackish brown, — in contrast to the rich chestnut of the Redhead, 

 and the bill of the former displays more black color. The shape 

 of the head is different also, that of the Canvas-back being longer 

 and narrower. 



