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bands on the sides of the neck faintly developed ; fore part and sides 

 of the neck, with the sides of the body, yellowish-brown, marked 

 with grayish-brown ; breast and abdomen white, the former spotted 

 with brown ; lower tail-coverts grayish-white, mottled with brown. 

 Tail and upper tail coverts, dark brown, glossed with green ; rump, 

 back, and hind-neck dark brown, glossed with green and purple ; 

 bill dusky; feet dull green. The crest less than that of the male, 

 and plain dull brown. Length twenty inches, wing eight inches and 

 a half. 



This splendid American species is more generally known by the 

 name of Wood Duck It is common in most parts of the United. 

 States, and according to Wilson, is found in Mexico and many of the 

 West India Islands. It is seldom seen on the open bays, giving 

 preference to the still ponds and shady creeks, where it finds an 

 abundant supply of its favorite food, which consists of insects, seeds, 

 and plants. In its stoma:h I have frequently found acorns. 



It is called Summer Duck from remaining with us throughout 

 the summer. Often when following those beautiful and rapid streams 

 that greatly embellish our country, in pursuit of the angler's beau 

 ideal of sport, have I met with this gaily-attired Duck. As if proud 

 of its unrivalled beauty, it would slowly rise and perform a circuit 

 in the air, seemingly to give the admiring beholder an opportunity 

 of witnessing the gem of its tribe. 



This species, Nature has profusely embellished. In it she has 

 united most of the vivid hues, brilliant spots, and bright lines be- 

 stowed upon all the others, as if to give a specimen of her inimi- 

 table style of coloring. It is called " Wood Duck,'' from the cir- 

 cumstance of their selecting hollow trees to breed in. Its beau- 

 tiful plumage is so much admired, that it is not unusual for persons 

 residing- in the country to invite it near their dwellings by placing 

 boxes for it to breed in, as it is considered a great ornament to a gen- 

 tleman's country seat. 



They keep in small parties, generally moving about in pairs. 



They are sometimes taken in nets. I am informed that a Mr. Brown 

 residing in Saratoga County, about 30 miles west of Alban)-, sends 

 a large number to the New- York Market annually, taken in this 

 way. In plumage it is not unlike the Mandarin Duck of China. 

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