A M ERICA iV OR ^UT^O LOGY. 



NEST AND EGGS. 



In this country Harlequins breed along streams in Alaska; about ponds 

 in Labrador and around Hudsons Bay; and along a few mountain streams 

 in western United States. The nest is always placed within a few feet of 

 the water, and is composed of grass lined with feathers. The eggs are 

 six to eight in number of a yellowish buff color. 



HABITS. 



By many this is known as the 

 "Painted Duck," and surely no 

 other of the duck species is more 

 deserving of the name for the effect 

 produced by its color and markings 

 is somewhat startling. But the 

 very oddity of his appearance and 

 the softness of his plumage makes 

 him one of the prettiest of the spe- 

 cies. Some years ago on a visit to 

 the Maine coast I was made mysti- 

 fied by hearing an old fisherman 

 speak of shooting "Lords and 

 Ladies." After much questioning 

 I discovered that he meant these 

 ducks. Their bright plumage hav- 

 ing gained for them this name, 

 which is commonly used throughout 

 the Northwest. He is equally at 

 home whatever the conditions. He 

 is found far out at sea, where he 

 rides lightly over the crest of the 

 highest waves; in some sheltered 

 bay; or inland on some turbulent 

 stream. In the United States with 

 the exception of a few about some 

 streams in the Rockies, they are 

 found only in the winter, and on 

 the coast they are regarded as a 

 deep sea bird. They are most 



often seen singly or in pairs, al- 

 though sometimes in winter flocks 

 of from fifteen to twenty are found. 

 Much remains to be discovered in 

 regard to their nesting habits. The 

 next few years will develop much 

 material concerning the home life 

 of this and many others of our 

 feathered friends who live princi- 

 pally in the far north. As far as 

 can be learned a great deal depends 

 upon the nature of the country as 

 regards their nesting habits. Prob- 

 ably in favorable localities they will 

 build in a hollow stump, as they 

 have been found in these situations, 

 lacking these they build on the 

 ground or in burrows, but always 

 within a few feet of water. They 

 are known to nest about some 

 streams among the mountains in 

 the west, as young have been seen 

 there. These ducks both young 

 and old are adepts at all aquatic 

 feats both on and under water. It 

 must tax even their skill to keep 

 right side up on some of the western 

 streams with their numerous water- 

 falls and rapids. 



