RUDDY DUCK. 



r^ ENERALLY dispersed over all North America, the 

 Ruddy Duck is found as far south as Cuba and 

 Guatemala. It breeds throughout most of its range 

 from Hudson Bay and Great Slave Lake in the north, 

 and in the Mississippi Valley from Minnesota to Texas. 

 Although it is common on many parts of the Pacific 

 coast, it does not seem to go as far north on the west 

 side as Alaska, and has never even straggled into the 

 Eastern Hemisphere. It places its nest near some pond 

 or other inland water, and constructs it of grass or dead 

 leaves. The eggs are creamy white, and quite numer- 

 ous, as many as twenty having been seen in a single nest, 

 but this, it would seem, must have been the work of two 

 females, as it is very doubtful if one alone could cover 

 so many. 



The Ruddy Duck is one of the sprightliest birds 

 among our Water fowl, and at times presents a very 

 comical appearance upon the water. It swims easily and 

 rapidly, its enormous feet propelling the bird with con- 

 siderable power. When on the water the body is deeply 

 immersed, and if suspicious or alarmed, I have often 

 seen it qui'etly sink beneath the surface without diving, 

 and disappear. The Dabchick, or Hell Diver, has a simi- 

 lar way of vanishing. This species seems to have no pref- 

 erence for the quality of water it frequents, whether it is 

 salt, fresh, or brackish. It usually goes in considerable 

 flocks, and flies with great swiftness, turning first the 

 upper side of the body, then the under, to the spectator as 



