71 
and the bill, and the wing patch are white. The female and young male are marked with 
light greys and blacks on the back, large white wing patches, and a seal brown head: 
the upperneck usually strongly contrasted with white or grey neck and breast. 
Distinctions. In young and female plumages it may sometimes be confused with 
the Redhead, Canvas-back!, or the Scaups. In such plumages the lack of white face 
mark or its restriction to the sides of the face will distinguish it from the Scaups; the 
white wing patches from the Redhead and Canvas-back. 
Field Marks. The striking black and white coloration of the male and the brown 
head and lack of face markings of most juveniles and the females. The large head, short 
neck, and loud whistling of the wings in flight are characteristic. 
Nesting. In stumps or hollow trees. 
Distribution. Golden-eyes inhabit most of the northern parts of the northern hemi- 
sphere. The American Golden-eye, the only New World representative of the species, is 
generally distributed over most of Canada. A common migrant and locally a winter 
resident in eastern Canada, breeding sparingly in the eastern provinces but more com- 
monly in the northwest. 
SUBSPECIES. The Golden-eye is divided into two siibspecific races: an Old 
World and a New World form—the latter the American Goldvn-eye. C. c. Americana 
being the only one that occurs in America. 
One of the best known of the larger ducks. A vei. hardy bird remain- 
ing on our waters in winter until they close with ice. 
152. Barrow’s Golden-eye. FR.—LE BUCEPHALE D’ISLA\9E. Clangula islandica 
L, 20. Like the American Golden-eye, but the male has a crescent-shaped instead of a 
circular face spot. The head glossed with purple instead of green and the bill relatively 
higher at the base. 
Distinctions. Males easily separated from the Golden-eye as above, but young birds 
and females of the two species more difficult to distinguish and shape of bill perhaps only 
reliable guide. Young males can be recognized by a slight lump in the forehead just at 
base of bill, which though not visible through the plumage can be plainly felt with the 
finger. 
: Field Marks. Exceptional circumstances may allow some of the above points to 
be recognized in life. 
Nesting. In stumps or hollow trees when possible, otherwise probably in rock cavities 
or on ground. 
Distribution. A bird of very unusual distribution; common near the eastern and 
western coasts but absent from most of the great interior; eastern birds probably breed 
in northern Ungava. 
This is a more northern species than the former which it closely 
resembles in habits as well as appearance. 
153. Buffle-head. spirRiT DUCK. BUTTERBALL. FR.—LE PETIT BUCEPHALE. Char- 
itonetta albeola. L, 14-75. A very small duck, almost as diminutive as the Teal, but 
coloured in striking contrasts of black and white. Male: white below and around base 
of neck, black above with an iridescent black head broken by a large white triangular 
patch with apex below the eye meeting its fellow along the nape. The feathers of the 
cheeks lengthened, making puffs on the sides of the face, hence its name. Female : white 
below and dull brownish-grey elsewhere except for a vague white spot on each cheek. 
Distinctions. Male cannot be mistaken for anything else; female rather like the 
Scaup but can be distinguished by small size and dash of light extending from behind 
eye towards back of crown instead of a white patch at base of bill. One facial spot instead 
of two and the evenly light underparts will separate it from the female Harlequin which 
it also resembles. 
Field Marks. Small size and white head spot for the male, and size, cheek spot, 
and white wing patch for the female. 
Nesting. In a stump or hollow tree. 
Distribution. A common migrant from the Atlantic coast westwards; breeds in 
the west and northwest. 
The name Spirit Duck refers to its diving powers and the remarkable 
ease with which it disappears when wounded. 
1See footnote, p. 63. 
