ORDER ANSERES 



AMERICAN MERGANSER 



129. Mergus americanus. 25 in. 



Bill, feet and eye red in male, the former with a black 

 stripe along the top; plumage black and white, with a 

 greenish-black head; no crest. Female gray and white, 

 with brown head, crested; chin white; eye yellow. These 

 birds have the bill long, not flattened, but edged with 

 sharp teeth to grasp the fish, upon which they live to a 

 great extent. They are exceptionally good swimmers 

 for members of this family, and can chase and catch 

 their fish, using their wings to aid their legs in pro- 

 pelling them through the water. 



Nest. In holes of trees, cavities among the rocks, or -*| 

 less often on the ground. The nest is made of leaves 

 and grasses and lined with downy feathers from the 

 breast of the female. The 6 to 9 eggs are creamy-buff 

 (2.7x1.75) ; June. 



Range. Whole of North America. Breeds from New 

 Brunswick, North Dakota and California, northward. 

 Winters from the northern boundary of the U. S. south 

 to the Gulf of Mexico. 



