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50 LAMELLIROSTRAL SWIMMERS — ANSERES. 



states that it is occasionally observed in Beruuula in the winter. Mr. Dresser received 

 the skin of a male bird which had been taken at Fort Stockton ; and he was infonind 

 that specimens were occasionally found at the Boca del Rio, in Southwestern Texas. 



Mr. Boarduian informs me that this Duck is occasionally found in the neighlior- 

 hood of Calais, where a few remain and breed, nesting in trees. It is rare, howovcv. 

 and he has not met with its nest. In Massachusetts it is more or less common frdiii 

 September to April, being absent only during the severest weather, and in mild 

 winters remaining throughout the season. 



This species is variously known as the " Dipjier," from its dexterity in diving, 

 the "Bulfle-head," from the apparently disproportionate size of its neck and head, as 

 well as " Butter-box " or " Butter-ball," and " Spirit Duck." Mr. Giraud states that 

 he lias met with it in various parts of the United States, and has found it during the 

 spring and autumn dispersed throughout the Union, visiting the interior as well as 

 the sea-coast. It dives so dexterously that it can be shot only with the greatest ditK- 

 culty when sitting on the water. It is an excellent swimmer, and flies swiftly, whoii 

 on the wing uttering a deep guttural note. Its food consists chiefly of small fish. It 

 is generally in fine condition, but is not considered a superior bird for the table. It is 

 generally met with in pairs until the appearance of spring, when it is seen in small 

 flocks. It arrives in Long Island in October, and remains until the latter part of 

 April, when it leaves for the north. On the coast of New Jersey it is most generally 

 known either as the "Butter-box," or "Butter-ball." A writer in "Doughty's Cab- 

 inet " (I. 41), who claims to have studied the habits of this Duck on the waters of Clics- 

 apeake Bay and its tributaries, states that it makes its first appearance in the uiipcr 

 part of that bay as early as the first or second week in October. It is said to In- 

 one of the very first Ducks to make its appearance in those waters. The taste of its 

 flesh varies greatly, according to the different conditions under which th'^ bird lias 

 lived, being at times very fishy, but occasionally having a very fine flavor. 



Mr. Lockhart met witli this Duck on the Yukon River, where, by a mere accident. 

 he found its nest, concealed in the hollow of a rotten stump of a tree near the liank 

 of tliat stream, and contauiing nine eggs. The female was supposed to have liecn 

 killed, incubation not having begun. This was presumed to have been her socdnd 

 nest, the eggs having been taken from the first. Another nest was met with by .Mr. 

 Lockhart in the hollow of a poplar-tree about twenty feet from the ground ; it was 

 found near the Black River on the 7th of July. The hole was dug out in the same 

 manner as a Woodpecker','^, and was an arm's length in depth, containing ten eggs. .V 

 third nest was in the hollow of a dead tree near a hdce, and only five tcet from the 

 ground. These nests had no other lining than down. The number of eggs was 

 usually nine or ten ; in one instance only six. 



Audubon met with this species on the 11th of May, 1833, near Eastport, in ^Maine. 

 During the period of its movement toward the north he found it exceedingly alnin- 

 dant on the waters of the Bay of Fundy. The males in flocks, aiul in their lull 

 summer dress, preceded the females about a fortnight. In the vicinity of >'i'\v 

 Orleans this species is known as the "^Marionette." lie met with it, during extremely 

 cold weather, on the Ohio, when the river was thickly covered with floating iio. 

 among which it was seen diving, almost constantly, in search of food. When the 

 river was frozen over, these birds sought the head-waters of rapid streams, and in their 

 turbulent eddies found an abundance of food. Apparently feeling secure in the 

 rapidity with which they can dive, they allow a very near approach ; but at the lirst 

 snap of the gun dive with the quickness of thought, and often as quickly rise 

 again within a few yards of the same spot. Their flight is usually low, and made 



