66 



rom which our domestic varieties sprang and nearly any mixed flock will 

 show the green-black heads, white collar, or recurved upper tail coverts 

 denoting reversion to the original form. As well as being one of the best 

 table birds it is one of the wildest of ducks, which latter accounts for the 

 fact that it still breeds in limited numbers on the edges of civilization. 



133. Black Duck. DUSKY DUCK. BLACK MALLARD. FR. LE CANARD NOIR. 

 rubripes. L, 22. Plate IV A. 



Distinctions. The general dark coloration combined with size renders this species un- 

 mistakable among River Ducks. 



Field Marks. Size, dark coloration, and a silvery sheen to the lining of the underwings 

 that shows in flight. The absence of the white bar bounding the speculum behind will 

 separate it from the Mallard. 



Nesting. On ground, in grass near water. 



Distribution. The Black Duck is a more eastern species than the Mallard and is not 

 commonly found west of the Great Lakes. It breeds in eastern Canada wherever found. 



Now that the Wood Duck is growing scarce the Black Duck is the 

 commonest nesting Duck in the southern parts of Canada and the only 

 one that can now be called a common breeder near the lower Great Lakes. 

 Originally almost every little lake and pond raised its brood of Black Duck, 

 but, owing to the drainage of the marshes and human interference with 

 nesting, it is now practically restricted to the larger marshes or more 

 inaccessible situations. 



It is still in dispute whether or not there are two forms of the Black 

 Duck. Late in the autumn a number of very large birds with red legs 

 are taken. Whether these are subspecifically distinct has not been con- 

 clusively determined. 



Economic Status. Though the Black Duck often, especially in the 

 breeding season, haunts the edges of cultivated fields where it gleans what 

 food it can find, it does little or no harm. There is little crop to damage 

 at that season and, as at other times it confines its attention to aquatic 

 life, there is no harm that can be charged against the species. 



135. Gadwall. GREY DUCK. SPECKLE-BELLY. PR. LE CANARD CHIPEAU. Chaule- 

 asmus streperus. L, 19 50. A finely speckled or vermiculated grey duck, of same general 

 tone as the female Mallard, but with chestnut-red shoulders and a white speculum. 



Distinctions. White speculum is always diagnostic. Females are otherwise likely 

 o be mistaken for small female Mallards or Baldpates. 



Field Marks. White speculum and general greyish appearance. 



Nesting. On ground, in grass or under bushes. 



Distribution. Nearly cosmopolitan. One of the rarest Ducks on the lower Great 

 Lakes, nearly absent from the east coast, commoner to the west where it breeds. 



137. Baldpate. AMERICAN WIDGEON. PR. LE CANARD D'AMERIQUE. Mareca 

 americana. L, 19. A medium-sized, greyish Duck, The male has white shoulders and 

 cap, and a broad green stripe through the eye, a black speculum with green reflections, 

 and a soft wash of pink over breast and back. 



Distinctions. The male is distinctive, the female might easily be mistaken for a female 

 Mallard or Gadwall but for its black speculum and pure white underparts. 



Field Marks. The white crown and green eye-bar are characteristic of the male; 

 the white underparts and the abrupt ending of the brown breast against the underparts 

 distinguish the female in life. 



Nesting. On ground, in grass or under bushes. 



Distribution. Ranges over nearly all of Canada; rare on the Atlantic coast, more 

 common to the west. 



Closely related to the Widgeon of Europe, which has occasionally 

 been taken on our coasts and which it closely resembles. 



