514 AXNALS OF THE CaRNEGIE MuSEUM. 



pears on the return migration, and lingers in small numbers well into 

 the winter, an occasional individual even remaining through the whole 

 season." Our notes for the fall of 1900 were in accord with Mr. 

 Bacon's observations. The first sj)ecimen was observed September 7, 

 but they did not become at all numerous until November set in, while 

 the last record was for November 17, although they uncjuestionably 

 remained considerably later. 



\_A/!as ohsiura ruhnpes. Red-legged Black Duck. 



The occurrence of this form, lately characterized by Mr. William Brewster t^Auk, 

 XIX., 1902, 184), is to be expected in this locality, but the character of the available 

 material does not permit of a positive statement to that effect. Specimens must be 

 had the labels of which shall note the colors of the soft parts. Mr. Lynds Jones 

 thinks that this is the more common form of the Black Duck in (Jhio [Birds of 0/iio, 

 1903- 38).] 



2 2. Chaulelasmus streperus. Gadwall. 



"Although this species is not common in the vicinity of Erie, 

 good-sized flocks are sometimes seen mostly in company with other 

 species about Erie bay, where the Gadwall appears to occur in greater 

 numbers than in other ])arts of the state." This quotation from Dr. 

 Warren (^Bh'ds of Petiusylvania, 1890, 37), probably based on in- 

 formation received from Mr. George B. Sennett, however appropri- 

 ate it may have been at one time, is utterly misleading at present. 

 Nothing is more certain than that the Gadwall is by far the rarest of 

 the ducks at Erie. There is no specimen in Mr. Sennett' s collection ; 

 Mr. Bacon has never seen or heard of it ; we did not meet with it 

 during our stay in 1900, nor did we find any gunner who had recog- 

 nized it. The only positive record is by Mr. Simpson, who examined 

 a single specimen taken by a gunner November 18, 1902. It was 

 shot over decoys in one of the yjonds, and was unfortunately so badly 

 mangled through the stupidity of the gunner that it was unfit for pre- 

 servation. The species must be listed as a transient visitant. 



[Mareca peiii'/ope. EUROPE.AN Widgeon. 



So many records for this bird from neighboring areas have lately come to light that 

 it would seem not unreasonable to look for it at Erie as a casual visitant. The male 

 may readily be distinguished from that of M. ameriraiia by its rufous-brown head. ] 



23. Mareca americana. A.merican Widgeon. 



This duck occurs as a regular migrant in spring and fall, but is not 

 very common at either season. It is confined almost wholly to the 

 ponds, and is usually found in pairs or small flocks, sometimes asso- 

 ciated with kindred species, particularly the Black Mallard. Accord- 



