ORDER ANSERES 
AMERICAN MERGANSER 
129. Mergus americanus. 25 in. 
Bill, feet and eye red in male, the former with a black 
stripe along the top; plumage black and white, with a 
greenish-black head; no crest. Female gray and white, 
with brown head, crested; chin white; eye yellow. These 
birds have the bill long, not flattened, but edged with 
sharp teeth to grasp the fish, upon which they live to a 
great extent. They are exceptionally good swimmers 
for members of this family, and can chase and ecateh 
their fish, using their wings to aid their legs in pro- 
pelling them through the water. 
Nest.—In holes of trees, cavities among the rocks, or 
less often on the ground. The nest is made of leaves 
and grasses and lined with downy feathers from the 
breast of the female. The 6 to 9 eggs are creamy-buff 
(2230 x 1.75) 3 June: 
Range.—Whole of North America. Breeds from New 
Brunswick, North Dakota and California, northward. 
Winters from the northern boundary of the U. S. south 
to the Gulf of Mexico. 
