64 EiiiDs OF XoRTii Cakolixa 



in North Carolina. One was taken on the jiroiHTty of the Currituck Shooting Club 

 in 1887. Another speeiinen was killed hy L. C. Fenno in Currituek Sound, Xoveni- 

 IxT 23, 1900. (Auk, Vol. XIX, p. 7(j.) 



46. Mareca americana {Gmel). Baldp.vte. 



Bescriplion. — Much like the European Widgeon, but ho.ad iiiid neck wliitish. speckled with 

 bliifk, top of li(';id wliite; sides of head with bright green patch. I-'eniak' diiMcr. L., 18.00- 

 22.00; W., 10.00-11.00. 

 g liaiKje. — North America, breeding mainly north of the United States. 



Range in North Carolina. — Coastal region in winter. 



Fig. 3*. li.M.i'PATK (iuhilt male). 



The 15ald])ate or "\\'idKeon" is \\-ell known to snuners of the coast, whore it i.« 

 found in many bodies of fresh or semi-salt water. Xumhers of them freciuently 

 conic on shore to rest and preen their feathers, but the wary birds are continually 

 on the lookout, and rare it is that the hunter can surprise them while thus cnijaged. 

 Often when feeding among the rushes they may be located by their oft-re])eatcd 

 notes uttered to their comi)anions in an agreeable conversational tone. The Bald- 

 pate is fond of wild celery. This it is said to be quite dexterous in securing by 

 robbing Canvasbacks and other diving-ducks of their gleanings. Wiilgeons are 

 connnonly fonnd among the wildfowl bought for shipment in Currituck. A male 

 taken at Raleigh, X'oveniiier l-', 1S91, is the only inland occurrence of which we 

 liave any knowledge. 



Genus Nettion iKaup.) 



KKV TO SlMXlK.S 



1. .\ white crescent on side in front of wings in male. Grccn-wingcrl Teal. 

 1. No white crescent on side in front of wings in male. European Teal. 



The iMirope.an Teid, Nettion crecra (Linn.), is similar to the next species, and the male is 

 distinguished from it chiefly by the ab.sence of the white crescent on side in front of wing.s. 

 Female and iininatiire specimens are not distinguishable with certainty from the other si)ecies. 

 It is acci<lental in .\merica, and as North Carolina is a great resort for wililfowl, it may jios- 

 sibly occur here. 



