356 FEATHEEED GAME 



in number from six to twelve ducklings, gen- 

 erally nearer the smaller figure. 



The Dipper is a hardy little bird, staying 

 in its northern home late into the fall and com- 

 ing into our latitude only during the coldest 

 weather, to leave again early in the spring. 



The male bird's plumage is made up of 

 sharply contrasted blacks and whites, with a 

 brilliant sheen to the long, fluffy feathers of 

 the head. The upper parts are mainly black, 

 growing lighter toward the tail. Lower neck 

 all around and under parts throughout are 

 white, with faint dusky shadings on the flanks 

 and sides. Except for a large triangular patch 

 of white behind the eye the entire head is dark 

 green, almost black, with a purplish irrides- 

 cence. Most of the wing coverts are white, but 

 a broad black line runs through them from the 

 lower back to the shoulder. Tail dusky, feath- 

 ers lighter on the edges. The bill is dull bluish 

 with a black nail. Feet pale flesh color, webs 

 dusky, nails black. Iris brown. 



The female is even smaller than the male and 

 is of less decided tones ; a dull grayish brown in 

 color on the back with less of the contrasts 

 shown in the plumage of the male bird. Whit- 



