190 THE RED-BREASTED MERGANSER. 



grayish-olive, unvaried by markings. Other eggs are 

 described as being 1^3 long by 1^ broad, and buff-colored." 

 (Coues). 



Not being as shy as some Ducks, and flying rather low, 

 this elegant little species may be taken with tolerable ease. 



As it lives largely on mollusks and small crustaceans, 

 its flesh is not the most savory. 



THE RED-BREASTED MERGANSER. 



As I point my glass out over the great lake, lashed into 

 fury by a strong northeast wind, I see a large flock of Red- 

 breasted Mergansers or Shell-drakes (Mergus serrator) beat- 

 ing their way against the wind, and flying low over the 

 cold, gray waters. As they skim the water in the 

 distance, their long, slender head and neck, as well as the 

 narrowness of their form in general, clearly mark their 

 identity. Common both to Europe and North America, 

 this species is with us in large numbers in late autumn and 

 early spring, remaining during winter if the waters are 

 sufficiently open. This is one of the most abundant species 

 on the Niagara during April and the early part of May. 

 Their long, slender, graceful figure, and the bright marking 

 of the males, render them very conspicuous both on the 

 water and in flight. On the water they are particularly 

 proud and graceful, swimming lightly and swiftly, holding 

 their heads high, and their long, loose crests playing in the 

 wind. They seem to be paired on their arrival, the mates 

 generally keeping with each other even in the largest flocks. 

 The males, however, are quite inclined to turn aside 

 occasionally, and give attention to other females than their 

 own. At such times, as also when addressing their mates, 

 they have a peculiar motion of the head and body. The 

 male will approach the female, and stretch up his neck, 



