THE WOOD DUCK 325 



dotted witli innumerable broad arrowheads of 

 white, arranged in regular order, growing 

 larger and more numerous as the chestnut shade 

 grows paler until thus the entire area has be- 

 come white. A large crescent of white in front 

 of the wing, this edged with jet black. Below 

 pure white, the sides growing pale yellow, finely 

 waved with black, these lines becoming broader 

 and darker toward the flanks, where the ends 

 of the flank feathers are finished with broad 

 zones of black and white. Bill pale pinkish, 

 bright red at the base, black at the nail and 

 along the ridge. Feet orange ; iris red. Many 

 specimens taken in October are as brightly col- 

 ored as in the spring months. Have seen many 

 adult males in the fall as brilliant as when in 

 their wedding dress. 



The female is not so beautiful as her mate, 

 having little or no crest, although the feathers 

 on the nape are somewhat elongated. No such 

 brilliancy of marking on the back or wings, the 

 purple being much duller in hue. Head and 

 neck grayish brown, darkening on the crown; 

 chin, near base of bill and around the eyes, 

 whitish. Below yellowish brown mottled with 

 dusky ; belly growing white. Bill dusky. Feet 



