MOTTLED DUCK. lOI 



cated birds are frequently used as decoys, and with 

 great effect. 



While the black duck breeds chiefly to the north of 

 the United States, nevertheless many rear their young 

 in Maine, New Hampshire, New York and even as far 

 south as North Carolina, though there is, of course, a 

 possibility that the birds breeding there may belong to 

 the next species. The nest is usually built on the 

 ground, concealed in high grass or rushes, and the 

 eggs vary in number from six to eleven or twelve. They 

 are grayish-white, with a very faint tinge of green. 

 Mr. Geo. A. Boardman, of Calais, Me., however, re- 

 ports that he once found a dusky duck's nest in a cavity 

 of a leaning birch tree about thirty feet high. The 

 young, from the time they are newly hatched, are ex- 

 pert in hiding, and at the approach of danger make for 

 the shore and conceal themselves among the grasses. 



The Florida dusky duck, while very similar to the 

 black duck, may easily be distinguished from it if the 

 characters already mentioned are kept in mind. The 

 general differences are much paler color and absence of 

 streaks on the cheeks, chin, throat and fore-neck, be- 

 sides a difference in the markings on the bill. This 

 bird was long considered to be a pale southern race of 

 the black duck, but of late years has been considered 

 a valid species. Its range is a very restricted one and 

 is confined apparently to Southern Florida. 



In habits it does not differ greatly from the ordi- 

 nary black duck, except so far as its surroundings ne- 

 cessitate a difference. During the winter it resorts 



