WOOD DUCK 
144. Aix sponsa. 19 in. 
Head crested in both sexes, the feathers being espe- 
cially lengthened on the nape. No other American duck 
that can possibly be mistaken for them. The male 
Wood Duck is the most beautiful of the family, in this 
or any other country, its cnly rival being the gaily col- 
ored Mandarin, of China. In summer, they may be 
found about the edges of clear ponds or lakes, especially 
those located in woods remote from human habitations. 
They are very local in their distribution and only one 
or two pairs will be found in a locality. In most parts 
of their range they are rapidly diminishing in numbers. 
Notes.—A soft whistled “ peet, peet”? and a squawky, 
danger-note like * hoo-eek, hoo-eek.” 
Nest.—In the hollow of a tree usually near the water’s 
edge. The bottom is lined with soft downy feathers, 
and 8 to 15 buffy eggs are laid (2.00 x 1.50). 
Range.—Whole of the United States and southern 
Canada, breeding locally throughout the range. Win- 
ters in southern half of the U.S. 
