198 ANAS AMERICANA. 



262. ANAS AMERICANA, C.MKI.IN AND WILSON. 



AMERICAN WIDGEON. 

 WILSON, PLATE LXIX. FIG. IV. 



THIS is a handsomely marked and sprightly species, 

 very common in winter along our whole coast, from 

 Florida to Rhode Island ; but most abundant in Carolina, 

 where it frequents the rice plantations. In Martinico, 

 great flocks take short flights from one rice field to 

 another, during the rainy season, and are much com- 

 plained of by the planters. The widgeon is the constant 

 attendant of the celebrated canvass-back duck, so 

 abundant in various parts of the Chesapeake Bay, by 

 the aid of whose labour he has ingenuity enough to 

 contrive to make a good subsistence. The widgeon is 

 extremely fond of the tender roots of that particular 

 species of aquatic plant on which the canvass-back 

 feeds, and for which that duck is in the constant habit 

 of diving. The widgeon, who never dives, watches the 

 moment of the canvass-back's rising, and, before he has 

 his eyes well opened, snatches the delicious morsel 

 from his mouth and makes off. On this account the 

 canvass-backs and widgeons, or, as they are called round 

 the bay, bald pates, live in a state of perpetual contention ; 

 The only chance the latter have is to retreat, and make 

 their approaches at convenient opportunities. They 

 are said to be in great plenty at St Domingo and 

 Cayenne, where they are called vingeon, or gingeon. 

 are said sometimes to perch on trees ; feed in company, 

 and have a sentinel on the watch, like some other birds. 

 They feed little during the day ; but in the evenings 

 come out from their hiding places, and are then easily 

 traced by their particular whistle, or whew whew. This 

 soft note, or whistle, is frequently imitated with success, 

 to entice them within gunshot. They are not known 

 to breed in any part of the United States. Are common 

 in the winter months along the bays of Egg Harbour 

 and Cape May, and also those of the Delaware. They 

 leave these places in April, and appear upon the coasts 



