KEY TO THE WATER BIRDS OF FLORIDA. 229 



parentlv, no constant characters (with the possible exception of size) by 

 which it may be separated from that species ; the head, as a rule, shows 

 greenish reflections, while the Lesser Scaup Duck generally has the head 

 glossed with purplish, but these characters cannot be always depended upon 

 and the main difference is one of size. 



The eggs are described as being pale olive buff and number from six to 

 ten. It nests on the ground, as is common with the Sea Ducks. 



The only duck that this common bird is likely to be confounded with is 

 the Ring-neck, and it can always be distinguished at a glance from that 

 species bv the white band on the wing (speculum), which is always grav in 

 the Ring-neck. 



AYTHYA AFFINIS {Eyt:). 

 Lesser Scaup Duck. 



Male : Resembles the male of the preceding species but is somewhat smaller in size ; the 

 head generally shows a faint gloss of purplish, while the Greater Scaup Duck shows a greenish 

 tinge on the head. 



Length, 17; Wing, 8.10; Tarsus, 1.50; Bill, 1.80. 



The female resembles the female of the preceding species but varies in being smaller ; the 

 speculum of both the male and female is white, and this duck may always be distinguished 

 from the Ring-neck by this character. 



Length, 16.50; Wing, 7.70; Tarsus, 1.25; Bill, 1.50. 



This bird ranges throughout North America, breeding north of the United 

 States, and occurs in winter south to Guatemala and West Indies. It is the 

 most common species in Florida, being one of the first to arrive and among 

 the last to leave the State. I have seen small flocks of them in the rivers as 

 late as the first of May. The note of this and the Greater Scaup Duck is a 

 peculiar sound, diflicult to describe but rather easy to imitate. It somewhat 

 resembles the sound made by rubbing the finger quicklv and lightly over a 

 roll-top desk. 



AYTHYA C0LLARI5 iponov.). 

 Ring=necked Duck. 



Adjclt male : Head and neck, upper breast and upper back black, showing faint bluish 

 reflections when held in the light. In the breeding season the male has an orange chestnut 

 collar which is usually lacking later in the season ; belly white with the lower belly finely lined 



