312 ANATID^: : SWANS, GEESE, AND DUCKS. 



This Duck, of singular figure and greatly varied 

 plumage, is a rare migrant, chiefly along the coast. " It 

 was formerly," says Mr. Allen, "judging from its breed- 

 ing range in the interior, a frequent summer resident." 

 This probability is strengthened by the fact that, 

 according to Dr. Merriam, the Shoveller has been taken 

 in Connecticut in July and August, as well as in 

 December. It decreases in numbers from Connecticut 

 northward and eastward. 



The eggs are eight or more in number, measuring on 

 an average 2.10 in length by 1.20 in breadth, and are 

 uniform dull pale greenish-gray. 



SUMMER, OR WOOD DUCK. 

 Aix SPONSA (L.) Boie. 



Chars. Head crested, metallic green and purple ; line above and 

 behind eye, white ; throat white also ; above, coppery black with 

 a gloss of green and purple ; beneath white, throat and upper 

 part of breast chestnut ; sides buffy, very finely variegated 

 with black ; scapulars black ; a white crescent in front of the 

 shoulder bordered also with black ; coverts and quills with more 

 or fewer tips and shades of white and purple. Female : chest- 

 nut of neck detached and dull ; sides not striped, head and neck 

 dull. Bill reddish, edges dusky. Legs and feet yellowish. Iris 

 red. Length, 19.00; extent, 27.50; wing, 9.00; bill, 1.40; tar- 

 sus, 1.50. 



This, the most beautiful of the Ducks, arrayed in 

 a plumage well-named " bridal," is a common summer 

 resident, arriving in March and remaining into October. 

 It is remarkable among Anatidce for nesting in holes 

 in trees, the last place one would expect a Duck to select. 



