258 OHIO EXPERIMENT STATION. 



SUBFAMILY ANATIN/E. RIVER DUCKS. 



GENUS ANAS. LINN^US. 



SUBGENUS ANAS. 



10. Anas boschas (LINN.). 

 Mallard. 



An abundant spring and fall transient. As is the case with several of the other 

 Ducks that are found chiefly on the larger streams and bodies of water, this species is 

 much more numerous during a very rainy season, the bottom-lands along the Kill- 

 buck being then extensively overflowed. The floods are more frequent in spring than 

 in the fall ; consequently the Ducks are at the former season decidedly more abund- 

 ant. During a favorable autumn the Mallard is nearly as numerous as in spring, but 

 if the fall be very dry, few or none are to be found. It occurs in spring chiefly in 

 flocks, which in Jormer years sometimes aggregated several thousand individuals; but 

 at the present time flocks of over 150 are unusual. This diminution in numbers is 

 due to the straightening of the course of Killbuck Creek, causing the water to recede 

 from the flooded lands with comparative rapidity. 



Mr. Hous'ekeeper informs me that several years ago a nest of this species was 

 found three miles south of Wooster, in an extensive marsh along the Killbuck. This 

 is the only known instance of its breeding in the County. 



11. Anas obscura (GMEL.). 

 Black Duck; Dusky Duck. 



A common transient both in spring and fall; often in flocks associated with 

 Mallards. 



SUBGENUS MARECA. STEPHENS. 



12. Anas americana (GMEL.). 

 Badpate; American Widgeon. 



A common transient visitor in spring, but rare in the fall. It is found principally 

 along Killbuck Creek, not infrequently in large flocks, and often with Mallards and 

 Black Ducks. 



SUBGENUS NETTION. KAUP. 



13. Anas carolinensis (GMEL.). 

 Green-winsred Teal. 



Transient visitor; tolerably common in the spring, but rare in autumn. It occurs 

 in small flocks, alone or with other Ducks. It was formerly more common, and was 

 found in much larger flocks. 



