RED-BREASTED MERGANSER 



130. Mergus serrator. 22 in. 



Eye. bill and feet red, like those of the last species, 

 but the head is crested on the male, as well as the fe- 

 male, and a band across his breast is mixed rusty and 

 black streaks. The female has not as brightly colored 

 a head as the female of the American Merganser, and 

 the throat is not pure white. They can be distinguished 

 in any plumage, from the fact that the nostril is nearer 

 the eye than it is the tip of the bill, while that of the 

 last species is located midway between the eye and the 

 tip of the bill. This is the species that is most often 

 found in salt water. It is also found inland but not 

 as commonly as the last. 



Notes. A low croak. 



Nest. On the ground, concealed in tufts of long grass 

 or overhanging rocks. Their 5 to 10 eggs are olive buff 

 in color (2.50x1.70); June, July. 



Range. Breeds from Maine and 111., northward: win- 

 ters throughout the United States. 



