BALDPATE; AMERICAN WIDGEON 
137. Mareca americana. 19 in. 
Wing coverts and top of head white; rest of head and 
neck finely specked with black; speculum and_ broad 
stripe back of eye, green; female, similar but with the 
whole head specked, and with no green on the ears. 
They can usually be identified at a distance by the ab- 
sence of any dark areas, and when flying by the white- 
ness of the underparts. Baldpates are common and well 
known birds throughout North America, where they are 
called by a great variety of names, most of which refer 
to the bald appearance of the top of the head, owing to 
the white feathers. Their food consists of mollusks, 
insects, grain, and tender shoots of grass; their flesh is, 
consequently, very palatable and they are much sought 
as table birds. 
Notes.—A shrill, clear whistle. 
Nest.—Of grass, lined with feathers from the breast 
of the female; situated on the ground in tall grass near 
the water’s edge. 8 to 10 buff eggs (2.15 x 1.50): June. 
