JAN., 1909. BIRDS OF ILLINOIS AND WISCONSIN CORY. 321 



Length, 23; wing, 10.50; bill, 2.20. 



An abundant species in Illinois and Wisconsin during the migra- 

 tions, and a number remain to breed in suitable localities in both 

 states. The nest is usually placed on the ground near water, and is 

 composed of grass and weeds and lined (not always) with down 

 feathers. The eggs are 7 to 10, pale greenish white, and measure 

 about 2.25 x 1.70 inches. 



Ridgway states: "It has been known, in rare instances, to nest 

 in a tree, in such cases occupying the deserted nest of a hawk, crow, 

 or other large bird." (Orn. of Illinois, 1895, p. 129.) 



41. Anas rubripes BREWSTER. 

 RED-LEGGED BLACK DUCK. 



Distr.: Eastern North America, north to Ungava and Hudson 

 Bay, and west to the Manitoba region and the Mississippi Valley; 

 winters from Massachusetts and Illinois southward. 



Adult: Head and neck, pale brown, finely dotted and streaked 

 with dark brown; top of the head darker than the cheeks; general 

 plumage, dark brown; feathers, edged with pale 

 buff; speculum, purple, edged with black; bill, yel- 

 lowish green, with dark nail, no black at the base; 

 legs and feet, olive, with dusky webs. 



Length, 22; wing, n; bill, 2.10; tarsus, 1.75. 

 This species may always be distinguished from 

 the female of the Mallard by the absence of 

 white on the speculum. 



The Red-legged Black Duck is not uncommon 

 in Illinois and Wisconsin during migrations. 

 Kumlien and Hollister consider it the common form in the latter 

 state, and the writer has examined a number of specimens offered for 

 sale at different times in the Chicago markets. 



4 1 a. Anas rubripes tristis BREWSTER. 

 BLACK DUCK. 



Anas obscura Gmel., A. O. U. Check List, 1895, P- 4^- 

 Distr.: Eastern North America, north to Labrador, and west to 

 Minnesota and Mississippi Valley, Breeds from Maryland and Illinois 

 northward; winters from southern Illinois and Massachusetts to the 

 South Atlantic and eastern Gulf States to the West Indies. 



