RUDDY DUCK. 335 



Nest. In the marshy margin of a pond or sluggish stream, amid the 

 rank herbage close by the water's edge, — a loosely made, bulky structure 

 of reeds and coarse grass, lined with grass. 



Eggs, ? sometimes 20 ; pale buff or dirty white, with a rough surface ; 

 2.40 X I -So. 



This species, an exclusive inhabitant of America, retires to 

 the North to breed, frequenting the small lakes in the interior 

 of the fur countries up to the 58th parallel. On the 5 th of 

 August it was also observed by Mr. Say at Pembino, in the 

 latitude of 49°, where, no doubt, it also passes the period of 

 reproduction. These birds are very unwilling to take wing, 

 though they fly pretty well when once started. They dive 

 with the greatest facility, and particularly at the flash of the 

 gun, or even the report of the percussion-cap. When swim- 

 ming they have a habit of carrying the tail so erect that it 

 appears of the same height with the head and neck. Small 

 flocks, consisting of the female and young, are often seen in 

 Fresh Pond, in this vicinity ; but scarcely ever the adult males, 

 who seem to migrate usually apart at this season. They visit 

 us early in October, and in the course of the winter proceed 

 south to the extremity of the Union. On their first arrival 

 they are tame and unsuspicious ; but the old males are ex- 

 tremely shy and difficult of approach. Their food appears 

 to be principally marine and fluviatile vegetables, and seeds, 

 for which they dive. Besides gravel, I have found in the 

 stomach seeds and husks of the Riippia maritima. They 

 rarely, if ever, visit the sea, but are found towards the head of 

 tide-waters in estuaries and small ponds at no great distance 

 from the ocean. They are common in the markets of Boston, 

 vvhere they are sold under the name of Dun-birds, and their 

 flesh is good and much esteemed. 



The Ruddy Duck is said to be generally distributed over North 

 America and to breed throughout its range ; but in the New 

 England States it occurs principally as a fall and spring migrant, 

 and a few individuals have been seen during the winter months. I 

 think they breed on the Grand Lake Meadows in New Brunswick, 

 for I have seen very young birds there. 



The males are rarely seen in full plumage, in which they make a 



