74 



BIRDS OF ONTARIO. 



Dr. Macallum has observed it leading out its young within half a 

 mile of the town of Dunnville. It is reported occurring at all the 

 points of observation in Southern Ontario during the migratory 

 season. In the North- West, Macouii found it breeding abundantly 

 on the prairie ponds and about Pleasant Hills. It is also mentioned 

 by Dr. Bell as breeding in large numbers 011 Lake Winnipeg. One 

 or two specimens have been found by Turner in Alaska. 



This species is said to have the widest distribution of any of the 

 duck tribe, being more or less common in every portion of Europe 

 and Asia, except in the extreme north. It occurs in northern and 

 central Africa, is somewhat rare in England, but more common in 

 Scotland. They all leave Ontario in the fall, but in spring return 

 regularly to their old haunts. 



GENUS DAFILA STEPHENS. 

 DAFILA ACUTA (LiNN.). 



44. Pintail. (143) 



Tail cuneate, when fully developed the central feathers projecting and 

 nearly equalling the wing ; much shorter and not so narrow in the female and 

 yoiing, four to nine inches long ; wing, 1 1 ; total length, about 24. Bill, black 

 and blue ; feet, grayish-blue ; head and upper neck, dark brown, with green 

 and purple gloss ; sides of neck, with a long white stripe ; lower neck and under 



