WARM-WEATHER BIRDS. 27 
SUBGENUS Anas. 
Anas obscura—BLack DUCK, BLACK MALLARD.— 
Habitat—tThe black duck is entirely an eastern bird, 
whose western range extends to the Mississippi and 
Missouri rivers; south to West India Islands and Cen- 
tral America; north into ‘Canada. After leaving the 
Ohio westward it becomes less frequent in propor- 
tion as the red-leg mallards increase. 
Its spring flights are not easily determined in the 
Mississippi Valley, but become more so between the 
Ohio River, eastward, to the Atlantic Coast. The 
first issue travels north to breed above the United 
States border, but does not put in an appearance until 
the frost has all disappeared. The second issue breeds 
near the boundary line; whilst the third scatters over 
the middle and eastern states. 
In the fall it migrates about the same time as the 
bluewinged teals and is frequently found with them. 
Some years they are plentiful, at others very few are 
to be found, even upon the best grounds. The feed- 
ing, roosting and play grounds are in similar places as 
the red-leg mallard. The nesting grounds are close to 
or upon the water’s edge, in sedge, rushes, cane and 
flags. 
It is both a timber and prairie bird. Its clutch is 
from eight to ten greenish eggs. Its call is a mild 
timid quack, more like to a spoonbill than a mallard. 
They decoy easily and are not hard to kill. Length 
23; wing 11.00; tarsus 1.80; extent 36.00; middle toe 
2.00. 
SuscEeNus Chaulelasmus. 
Anas Strepera—GAvDwaLi, GRay puck.—Habitat.— 
Temperate North America to Canada, south to West 
