BLACK DUCK 



133. Anas rubripes. 22 in. 



General plumage mottled blackish, the feathers hav- 

 ing lighter edges; throat, buffy, streaked with blackish; 

 crown and line through eye, nearly solid blackish; specu- 

 lum bluish-purple, with no white; bill greenish-black; 

 legs brownish. Black Ducks breed locally in pairs, 

 throughout northern United States and southern Can- 

 ada. This is the species most often seen in New Eng- 

 land. When in flight, it can usually be recognized by 

 the dark colored underparts and the white lining to the 

 wings. Its habits are just like those of the Mallard, 

 with which it is closely related. 



Notes. A " quack," like that of the Mallard. 



Nest. Placed on the ground, not far distant from the 

 water's edge; made of grass and feathers; the 6 to 10 

 eggs are buff-colored (2.30x 1.70) ; May, June. 



Range. Breeds locally from N. Y. and Iowa north- 

 ward; winters south to the Gulf. 



