SEA DUCKS 97 



Geog. Dist. — North America, very rare in New England ; breeds from North 

 Dakota, Oregon and Minnesota northward ; winters from Chesapeake Bay to 

 Cuba. 



County Records. — Cumberland ; taken at Cape Elizabeth and in Casco Bay, 

 (Smith, F. & S. 20, p. 184); two adult males were taken at Cape Elizabeth in 

 the fall of 1902, and were in my possession, (Lord). Kennebec; four were 

 shot near Gardiner in the fall of 1895, one of which is in my possession, 

 (Powers), this seen by me, (0. W. K.). 



The Canvas-back is a rare bird in Maine, only eight specimens 

 being known during the last twenty-five years. They straggle 

 into the State in the fall migrations. Six to ten greenish tinged 

 bufly white eggs are laid in a nest on the ground near a slough 

 or grassy marsh, and are very characteristic in appearance, 

 being readily distinguished from the eggs of the Redhead. Eight 

 eggs from Benson County, North Dakota, June 25, 1897, 

 measure 2.45 x 1.72, 2.44 x 1.74, 2.44 x 1.73, 2.45 x 1.77, 2.41 

 X 1.75, 2.45 X 1.75, 2.37 x 1.73, 2.47 x 1.79, 2.43 x 1.74. 

 The very bulky nest was composed entirely of bullrushes and 

 warmly lined with down from the breast of the parent. It 

 was placed among rank green bullrushes on heavy dead under- 

 growth where the water was two feet deep. 



Eggs of the Redhead are often found in the nest of this 

 species and vice versa according to my correspondent and other 

 persons. Though this Duck has attained a high reputation 

 as a table bird by the so-called epicures, they are welcome to 

 my share of Canvas-backs, mushrooms and other similiar trash. 

 Though in winter this species is largely a salt water bird, in 

 summer they frequent fresh water regions. 



Subgenus FULIGULA Stephens. 



148. AythyamariIa(\Ax\w.^. Scaup Duck; Greater Scaup; 

 Broadbill; Bluehead; Blackhead; Raft Duck. 



Plimiage of adult male : head, neck, breast and upper back black ; wavy 

 bars of white on back and scapulars ; flanks, belly and speculum white ; lower 

 belly black barred ; top of head with greenish reflections. Plumage of adult 

 female and immature birds : white about base of bill ; breast umber, margined 



