236 KEY TO THE WATER BIRDS OF FLORIDA. 



Genus ERISMATURA Bonap. 



ERI5MATURA RUBIDA ( Tf 7/ .). 

 Ruddy Duck. 



I (hilt male : A patch of white on the cheeks and cliin : rest of head and general plumage 



chestnut brown ; the under parts silver white; tail feathers pointed and stiff. Male in winter 

 has the back of the head and neck smoky brown: cheeks white: the bill bluish and the feet 



lead color. 



Adult female : The general color of the upper parts is brownish gray ; sides of the head and 

 throat whitish, shading into gray on the lower throat and upper breast ; under parts silver white, 

 as in the male. 



Length. 15.30: Wing. 6: Tarsus, 1.20: l!ill, 1.50. 



It may easily be distinguished from other species by its small size, 

 chestnut brown color, and stiff pointed tail feathers. 



It ranges throughout North America, breeding locally nearly throughout 

 its range. It ranges in winter south to Cuba and Guatemala and Northern 

 South x\merica : it has been recorded from many of the West India Islands. 



The e«-<'-s are described as six to ten in number, of dull white or buffy 

 white, and the nest is usually built on a marsh but is sometimes deposited on 

 floating vegetable matter. 



