BIRDS OF 



wing. During- the past two seasons a flock of 100 to 150 

 remained in Lake Ontario all winter, about half a mile from the 

 shore, opposite the village of Burlington ; the birds spent most 

 of their time at one particular place, sometimes diving, or again 

 sitting at rest on the water, and always close together, as 

 if for greater warmth. When the weather moderated in March 

 they shifted about for a few days and then went off to the north- 

 west, the course taken by most waterfowl when leaving this 

 point in spring. Great numbers are said to spend the summer 

 in Manitoba. 



44. AYTHYA VALLISNERIA (WILS.). 14t. 

 Canvas-back, 



Similar to the preceding, but bill blackish, high at the base and narrow 

 throughout, not shorter than head (two and a.half or more), the nostrils at its 

 middle ; head much obscured with dusky ; black waved lines of the back 

 sparse and broken up into dots, the whitish thus predominating. 



HAB. Nearly all of North America, breeding from the Northwestern 

 States northward to Alaska. 



Breeds in the Northwest, Nest and eggs similar to those of the Redhead. 



The Canvas-back occurs with us occasionally in limited num- 

 bers ; it resembles the Redhead in many ways, but can readily 

 be distinguished by its low forehead and by the sooty color of 

 the head and upper part of the neck. Its mode of diving is also 

 peculiar, as before going under the water it throws itself upward 

 and forward, thus describing a curve as if seeking to gain im- 

 petus in the descent, just as boys sometimes do when taking a 

 header off a point not much above the water level. 



Its reputation as a table duck is very high, but the excellence 

 is attained only when the birds have for some time been feeding 

 on wild celery, of which they are very fond ; when that is not 

 available they are no better for the table than Redheads or Blue, 

 bills. 



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