LIST AND DESCRIPTION 51 
kota, sometimes placing their nests in hollow trees near water. 
In identifying the Mergansers, one must continually bear 
in mind not only the difference between species but the wide 
difference between male and female of the same species. 
SUBFAMILIES ANATIN4E AND FULIGULINA. DUCKS 
The Duck family is a large and important one. No fewer 
than twenty species are found in South Dakota either as sum- 
mer residents or in migration. Since the federal game laws pro- 
hibiting spring shooting were enacted there is a marked increase 
in numbers, and it is hoped that public sentiment will become so 
strong that everyone will discourage the violation of the game 
laws. 
Ducks as a rule do not feed on injurious insects and, while 
a few species consume quantities of obnoxious weed seeds, their 
chief economic value is in the food they supply for mankind. 
One of the chief characteristics of the Duck family is the 
marked color contrast in plumage between sexes. The plumage 
of the young of the first year in most species resembles that of 
the female. Females of Mallards, Black Ducks, Teals and Shov- 
elers exhibit a marked similarity to the common breeds of barn- 
yard Ducks. 
Ducks are usually separated into two divisions: River 
Ducks and Sea Ducks. River Ducks embrace Mallards, Teals, 
Shovelers, Pintails, Wood Ducks, Gadwalls, Baldpates and Black 
Ducks, The most common species of Sea Ducks in our State 
are the Canvasbacks, Redheads, Scaups, Scoters, Golden-eyes, 
Ruddy Ducks and Buffleheads. | 
The distinguishing feature of the Sea Ducks is the large 
webbed hind toe. . 
132. Matrarp (Anas platyrhynchos.) 
This fine bird is the largest of our edible Ducks, and an 
abundant breeder and migrant in the State. Indeed it is more 
or less common over the whole northern hemisphere. The male 
adult has a green head, white neck ring, brown breast, purple 
wing patch, with the balance of body mixed with gray. The fe- 
male is uniformly buffy streaked with black, except for the purple 
wing patch bordered with white. Most of our domestic breeds 
are descendants of this species. 
