RED-BREASTED MERGANSER 
130. Mergus serrator. 22 in. 
Eye, bill and feet red, like those of the last species, 
but the head is crested on the male, as well as the fe- 
male, and a band across his breast is mixed rusty and 
black streaks. The female has not as brightly colored 
a head as the female of the American Merganser, and 
the throat is not pure white. They can be distinguished 
in any plumage, from the fact that the nostril is nearer 
the eye than it is the tip of the bill. while that of the 
last species is located midway between the eye and the 
tip of the bill. This is the species that is most often 
found in salt water. It is also found inland but not 
as commonly as the last. 
Notes.—A low croak. 
Nest.—On the ground, concealed in tufts of long grass 
or overhanging rocks. Their 5 to 10 eggs are olive buff 
in color (2.50x 1.70); June, July. 
Range.—Breeds from Maine and IIl., northward; win- 
ters throughout the United States. 
