102 



LAMELLIROSTRAL SWIMMERS — ANSERES. 



season. A large munber of examples pf this species were taken near the Calumet 

 Marshes during the fall of 1875, and many others were seen, arriving the last of 

 October and departing toward the end of March. A single specimen of this bird, 

 in immature plumage, was procured on the Wabash by Professor Stein, in October, 

 1875. 



It is said to be abundant on the Paciiic coast near San Pedro ; but it was not 

 found inland, nor on any of the interior lagDons, apparently never leaving the sea and 

 its estuaries. Dr. Cooper also writes that this is an abundant species in the win- 

 ter along the entire Pacific coast, associating with the other Surf Ducks, and having 

 habits similar to theirs. Being but little hunted, and having but few enemies among 

 tlie wild animals, many of this species become very old, and linger along the southern 

 coast in large flocks — some of them finally dying of old age. The long rainy sea- 

 sons are frequently fatal to them, as at that time they seem to be very delicate, and 

 are peculiarly subject to the influtnces of the weather. Many become very thin, and 

 even blind, at the time of assuming their spring plumage, and swim, unconscious 

 of danger, near the Avharves and shores, or after storms are found dead along the 

 beaches. 



Audubon states that in his visit to Labrador, in the spring of 1833, he found this 

 species not the least numerous of the various kinds of Ducks with which the Avaters 

 of that region seemed to be alive. The numbers of this species that passed the 

 shores of Labrador bound for the far north exceeded all his previous conceptions. 

 He noticed that a few pairs had remained in the neighborhood of Little Macatina, 

 and on examining a fresh-water marsh he suddenly started a female Surf Duck from 

 her nest. This was snugly placed among the tall leaves of a bunch of grass, and 

 raised a few inches above the roots. It was entirely made of withered and rotten 

 weeds, the former being circularly arranged over the latter, producing a well-rounded 

 cavity 6.00 inches in diameter, and 2.50 deep. The borders of the inner cup Avere 

 lined with the down of the bird, and in it there were five eggs. These were 2.31 

 inches in length, by 1.63 in breadth, and about equally rounded at both ends. The 

 shell Avas perfectly smooth, and of a pale yelloAvish or cream color. 



Audubon states that Dr. Bachman met Avith this Duck in the Avinter as far south 

 as Charleston, S. C. He speaks of it as being a powerful swimmer and an expert 

 diver, but as rising from the Avater Avith some difficulty, and, Avhen once under Avay, 

 flying Avith great rapidity. The female, as she rises from her nest, utters a rough 

 guttural cry ; but this Duck is generally a very silent bird. Audubon Avas assured 

 that in NcAvfoundland this species breeds in considerable numbers in the lakes and 

 ponds of the interior. Its stomach Avas found to contain fish of different kinds, 

 several species of shellfish, and quantities of coarse gravel. 



Mr. Lockhart observed this species breeding near the Arctic Sea. The nest Avas 

 on the edge of a small portage betAveen two lakes, and concealed under the spread- 

 ing branches of a stunted pine-tree. 



Mr. MacFarlane found the Surf Duck breeding in considerable numbers in the 

 neighborhood of Fort Anderson and on the LoAver Anderson Biver, and a nest con- 

 taining six eggs Avas obtained July 5 on the margin of a small lake. It Avas not dis- 

 tinguishable from the nests of the Velvet Duck. Another nest, containing eight eggs, 

 Avas found, June 25, on a ridge of ground at the foot of a dry stunted pine, and Avas 

 made of dark-colored doAvn, being entirely concealed from view by the loAver branches 

 of the pine-tree. This species of Duck Avas very numerous in the Avooded country, 

 but the nests were found only Avith groat difficulty. It Avas afterward ascertained to 

 be very abundant on the sea-coast about Franklin's Bay. All the nests found appear 



