TPIE WIDGEON. 



471 



about the end of September or the beginning of October, and assembling 

 in large flocks. 



These birds, although wary on some occasions, are little afraid of the 

 proximity of man and his habitations, feeding boldly by day, instead 



The Black Swan {Oygnm atratus). 



of postponing their feeding-time to the night, as is often the case with 

 water-fowl. The food of the Widgeon consists mostly of grass, which 

 it eats after the fashion of the common goose. The nest of the Widgeon 



Geese and Ducks. 

 1. Hooded or Crested Merganser. 2. Red-breasted Merganser. 3. Blue Bill o; Scaup 

 Duck. 4. American Widgeon, Male. 5. Female Snow Goose. 6. Pied Duck. 



is made of decayed reeds and rushes, and is lined with the soft down 

 torn from the parent's body. The eggs are rather small, and of a 

 creamy-white color. The number of eggs is from five to eight. The 

 flesh of this bird is very delicate, and it is largely sold in our markets. 



