AMERICAN WIDGEON. 



v\ — . -\a 35 



235 



waters as the English species. Although long in- 

 corporated in our systems, its manners, which are very- 

 peculiar, were first made known by Wilson. He says 

 that it is of a sprightly, frolicsome disposition, and, 

 with proper attention, might easily be domesticated. 

 It seems to be very common in winter, along the whole 

 coast of the United States, from Florida to Rhode 

 Island ; but it is particularly abundant among the rice 

 plantations of Carolina. From some of these localities, 

 we trust, the transatlantic friends of the Ornithological 

 Society will soon transmit a few brace. 



This widgeon is the constant companion of the well- 

 known canvas-backed duck of the American rivers, by 

 the aid of whose labour he procures his most favourite 

 food. The widgeon is extremely fond of the tender 

 roots of a particular aquatic plant on which the canvas- 

 back chiefly feeds, and for which that duck is in the 

 constant habit of diving. The widgeon, who cannot 

 dive, watches the moment of the canvas-back's rising; 

 and before he bas, after his plunge, well opened his 

 eyes, suddenly snatches the prize from his mouth, and 

 makes off. On this account, the two species Uve in a 

 state of perpetual contention. The widgeon scarcely 

 feeds during the day ; but in the evening it comes out 

 from its hiding-place, and is then easily discovered by 

 its peculiar note, resembling a soft whistle, or the words 

 whew, whew. Although so abundant, they are not 

 known to breed in any part of the United States : to 



