244 WILD-FOWL 



THE HOODED MERGANSER. 



This bird is much smaller than the others and is 

 accordingly often referred to as the little saw-bill, 

 spike-bill, and pond sheldrake. The male is remark- 

 able for its beautiful crest, from which it took its name. 



The hooded merganser also nests in trees. It flies 

 very swiftly, being nearly, if not quite, as fast as a 

 teal, and it is, of course, necessary to shoot far ahead 

 of it to hit it. 



The little spike-bill is found usually on ponds and 

 streams. I have only shot them occasionally when 

 shooting better game. 



