BLACK-BELLIED TREE DUCK. 77 



yellowish-brown. The under tail coverts are white; 

 the bill is red, changing to orange at the base ; its nail 

 is bluish; legs and feet whitish. The young bird re- 

 sembles the adult, but its colors are duller throughout, 

 and it lacks the black flanks and belly ; they are grayish- 

 white, barred with dusky; length, 19 inches; wing 9 1-2 

 inches. 



In certain parts of Texas the black-bellied tree duck 

 is not a scarce bird. It is found there in summer and 

 autumn, and at this time of the year visits the grain 

 fields, where some shooting at them may sometimes be 

 had. Its name is well applied, for it perches in the 

 I'rees without difficulty, and walks about on the 

 branches as if much at home. In fact, it is said to pass 

 the hours of daylight largely in the branches of trees, 

 and to do its feeding and traveling chiefly at night. 

 This duck nests in the hollow trees, and there deposits 

 twelve to fifteen eggs, without forming any nest. 

 When hatched the young are said to be carried to the 

 water in the mother's bill. 



It is easily domesticated, and when once tamed asso- 

 ciates with the fowls of the farm on perfectly good 

 terms. When tamed it is said to be very watchful, and 

 to utter a shrill call at the approach of any individual 

 or at any unusual sound. 



In Texas, where the bird is most common, it is 

 known as the tree duck, corn field or long-legged duck, 

 while in Louisiana the common appellation for it is 

 fiddler duck, from the clear call-note that it utters at 

 night when in flight. It frequents the old corn fields 



