( 3U ) 



scapulars black, with green reflections, the former margined 

 with gray, which is the color of the greater part of the outer 

 web, the latter margined with white. Speculum bright purple, 

 with splendid green reflections edged with black, the feathers broad- 

 ly tipped with white. Length twenty-nine inches, wing eleven. 

 Female with the upper part of the head and hind neck dark brown, 

 streaked with dusky — sides of the throat and fore-neck lighter— a 

 few touches of rust color on the chin and on the base of tiie bill. 

 Upper plumage brown, the feathers margined and tipped with 

 brownish-white. Lower plumage brownish-white, mottled with 

 brown. Speculum less extensive, and without the lengtiiened tail 

 feathers so conspicuous in the male. 



This beautiful species is well known to our gunners by the name 

 of " Sprig," or " Spreet-tail." In passing to and from their breed- 

 ing place at the far North, they are distributed throughout the 

 Union, visiting the interior as well as the sea coast. Although shy 

 and timid, it is often brought within reach of the fowler's gun by 

 the treacherous decoys ; and when surprised by the gunner's rising 

 to fire, they crowd so close together, presenting what is called a 

 " doublet," so that many are seen to fall from a single discharge. 



Mr. Townsend speaks of il»being very abundant on the Columbia 

 River.* He mentions that he and an Indian chief killed twenty 

 six Pintails at a simultaneous discharge of their guns. It does not 

 dive for food, but wlien wounded sometimes makes an efibrt to 

 escape by diving. As it rises to the surface it endeavors to conceal 

 itself by remaining under the bow of the boat — and if near a 

 marsh, it will skulk in the gi-ass, so well hiding itself as often to 

 escape detection. 



The young and females are mistaken by many persons for a dis- 

 tinct species, which they call Gray Duck. In clear weather, it is 

 seen high in the air, flying close together, and rapidly. When on 

 the wing it is easily distinguished from other species by the pecu- 

 liar movement of its wings. 



* See Townsend'8 Nanralive of a Journey across the Rocky Monntains. 



