12 BULLETIN FERGUS COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL 



life vermillion-red, feet pale yellow. Young, brownish-gray, bill brownish- 

 black. Length 18-20 inches. 



129. AMERICAN MERGANSER. Merganser americanus. 



The American merganser occurs regularly along the larger streams 

 forming the northern and eastern boundary of the county, as well as at 

 suitable places elsewhere. Specimens are frequently taken near Lewistown 

 during the migrations. Like some of the other ducks, this species lingers 

 on the open water of Big Spring Creek till hard winter has begun. On 

 April 27, 1903, I noted a male of this species feeding on a sand-bar on the 

 creek near Lewistown. 



Distinguishing features: Male with head greenish-black, and crest 

 at back; lower parts creamy white; white wing-coverts with a prominent 

 black bar; length 25-27 inches. Female with head and neck bright brown, 

 also with crest; lower parts yellowish-white. 



131. HOODED MERGANSER. Lophodytes cucullatus. 



This species occurs regularly throughout this region, and according 

 to Dr. Coues, breeds on the Upper Missouri River. Near Lewistown it is 

 known only as a migrant, the conditions being unfavorable to a residence 

 throughout the summer. 



Distinguishing features: Male with black head and neck, w^th 

 white crest; mostly black above, with white lower parts. Female with 

 head and neck grayish brown,, crest reddish-brown; lower parts white; 

 length 17-19 inches. 



132. MALLARD. Anas boschas. 



The mallard is a regular summer resident of this region. Along 

 the head-waters of Big Spring Creek, which remain open during the win- 

 ter, mallards have been seen every month from the autumnal to the vernal 

 migration. Many pairs are reported to breed along the Missouri and Mus- 

 selshell borders of the county. An instance of a mallard's nesting near 

 the electric light plant was reported to me this, spring. 



Distinguishing features: Male with head and neck bright metallic 

 green, chest bright reddish-brown, speculum of wing violet bordered by 

 black and white bars before and behind; length 20-25 inches. Female 

 generally brownish, varied with buffy markings, wings like the male. 

 135. GADWALL. Chaulelasmus streperus. 



Known to me only as a migrant of regular occurrence. Dr. Coues 

 states that it breeds in the Milk River region of this state, and further 

 observation may disclose the fact of its nesting along the large streams 

 which form a part of the Fergus county boundary. 



Distinguishing features: Male with head and neck dingy white, 

 speckled with black, middle wing-coverts reddish-brown, bordered by 

 Mack and white, speculum white, bill dark blue, legs and feet orange- 

 yellow; length 19-22. Female generally brownish, wing like male with 

 colors less prominent. 



137. BALDPATE. Mareca americana. 



Dr. Coues says that the widgeon (or baldpate) breeds in abundance 



