SWIMMERS: DUCKS. 95 



from the others and alighted in the yard. They proved 

 to be the long-lost goose and two of her young. 



The Mallard, or Greenhead, is about two feet long, 

 and has the plumage of the head bright green ; there 

 is a white ring around the neck, and the general color 

 of the body is brownish. This is the parent of the 

 domestic duck. 



The Wood Duck is smaller than the Greenhead, and 

 its plumage excels in beauty that of all other ducks. 



Fig. 158. Wood Duck. 



It builds its nest in a hollow tree or limb ; and if the 

 nest is over water, the young, as soon as hatched, drop 

 into it ; if not, they fall to the ground, *and are led 

 or carried to the water by the parent. 



The Canvas-Back is about the size of the Wood 

 Duck, with a chestnut-colored head, and the other parts 

 white and black. 



The Eider Duck is one of the largest of the Ducks ; 

 colors black and white. It lives in the cold regions of 



