ANSERES. 35 
Orpver ANSERES. Lamellirostral Swimmers. 
Family ANATID2. Ducks, Geese, and Swans. 
The members of this order must be treated under the sub- 
family groups. 
Subfamily Mercin®. Mergansers. 
All three American members of this subfamily occur in 
Ohio somewhat regularly during the migrations. They are 
properly designated “Fish Ducks,” because they feed largely 
upon fish, but probably also eat mollusks, crustaceans, frogs, 
and other aquatic animals to some extent. Dr. Warren 
states that in diving they use the wings as well as the feet 
for propulsion. On the surface of the water they certainly 
use their wings when hard pressed to get away, but are un- 
able to fly up. The flesh of the two larger species is rank 
and fishy, but the Hooded Merganser is a table delicacy. 
24. (129.) MERGANSER AMERICANUS (Cass.). 268. 
American Merganser. 
Synonyms: Mergus merganser, M. m. americanus, M. ameri- 
icanus. 
Merganser, Goosander, Fish Duck, American Sheldrake. 
Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 166, 187. 
Both mergansers remain all winter where there may be 
open water sufficient for feeding. This form appears to be 
the more common of the two belonging to the genus Mer- 
ganser. It is found on Lake Erie well into January, but is 
not found during the period when the lake is ice bound— 
during the most of February and sometimes the first week 
of March. It has passed north by the third week in April. 
25. (130.) MERGANSER SERRATOR (Linn.). 269. 
Red-breasted Merganser. 
Synonyms: Mergus serrator. 
Red-breasted Sheldrake. 
Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 166, 187. 
