1907 ] Beyer, Allison, Kopman, Birds of Louisiana. 317 



localities. It breeds wherever it occurs. It is usually seen in flocks of 

 from six to ten. The distribution and abundance of this species is practi- 

 cally unchanged throughout the year. 



24. Mexican Cormorant (Phalacrocorax mexicanus). In the lower 

 sections of the State, this species is a common resident, and in habits, 

 distribution, etc., agrees closely with the preceding species. Like the 

 others, it is occasionally found inland on the larger bodies of water. 



25. Brown Pelican (Pelecanus fuscus). This species is abundant 

 along the Gulf coast, especially about the islands. It usually occurs in 

 flocks of less than twenty. Although essentially a coast bird, it straggles 

 inland in winter, though very rarely leaving the southern part of the State. 

 It breeds almost exclusively on the coastwise islands in company with 

 gulls and terns. 



26. White Pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchus) . This is a winter 

 visitor only, and never occurs in very large numbers. It occurs chiefly 

 along the coast, but is occasionally found inland about the larger bodies 

 of water. Numbers sometimes winter at various points along the Missis- 

 sippi River, even in the northern part of the State. It is present from 

 about October 1 to March 1. 



27. Man-o'-war Bird (Fregata aquila). Resident and breeding 

 along the Gulf coast, especially the eastern part. The breeding season 

 includes most of June, July, and August. Little is seen of this species 

 along the mainland during the breeding season, but about August 1 it 

 becomes rather conspicuous at some points on the coast. In calm weather 

 numbers may often be seen soaring at a considerable height. During 

 heavy storms, this species is sometimes driven a considerable distance 

 inland. 



28. American Merganser (Merganser americanus). Regular winter 

 visitor, but of late years less common; in fact, its numbers seem to be 

 slowly but steadily decreasing. It is found chiefly in small flocks along 

 the coast, and seldom remains long on inland waters. 



29. Red-breasted Merganser (Merganser serrator). Like the pre- 

 ceding, a winter visitor, but much commoner. It is usually seen in small 

 flocks, however. On inland waters, it is rather common. Being more of a 

 maritime species than the following, however, it is called by the Creoles 

 " Bec-scie de mer." 



30. Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucuUatus). Essentially an 

 abundant winter visitor; yet a few remain throughout the year, while 

 reports of its nesting are rather numerous. It is known to breed in the 

 interior as well as coastwise; very young birds have been observed the 

 latter part of June. The localities in which this species occurs as a breeder 

 frequently change from season to season. Local (Creole) name: Bec-scie 

 (Saw-bill). 



31. Mallard (Anas boschas). One of the best known of the ducks 

 in Louisiana, being a winter visitor throughout the State and usually 

 occurring in flocks of from ten to one hundred individuals. The first 

 arrive early in October, but most of these appear to be transients. 



