236 KEY TO THE WATER BIRDS OF FLORIDA. 



Genus ERISMATURA Bonap. 



ERISMATURA RUBIDA ( JlWs.). 

 Ruddy Duck. 



.h/n// male : A patch of white on the cheeks and chin ; rest of head and general plumage 

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

 has the ])ack of the head and neck smoky brown; cheeks white; the bill bluish and the feet 

 lead color. 



Adult feiiiah' : 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: Bill, 1.50. 



It may easily be distin^'uished from other specie.s by it.s 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 America ; it has been recorded from many of the West India Islands. 



The eggs are described as six to ten in ntunber, of dull white or buffy 

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

 floatiuLr vetretable matter. 



