ANATIN^ — THE DUCKS — QUERQUEDULA. 



537 



Captain Reiulire found it more common than t'itlicr of the otlior two species of Teal 

 in Eastern Oregon, where it breeds in large numbers. It begins laying about ]V[ay 15, 

 and not infrequently he found its nest placed a hundred yards or more from the 

 nearest water. Dr. Merrill states that it passes through Texas in its migrations, but 

 is more abundant there in tlie spring than in the autumn. 



Its nest is comi)osed of coarse grass lined with featliers from tin- breast of the 

 mother, and is placed in the marshes, usually near ponds and still water. The eggs 

 are from twelve to fourteen in number, and are described by some writers as of a 

 j)ale green color; but I liave never seen any to winch tliis description ajiplies. 



Dr. Cooper obtained an egg, just ready for exclusion, from a female killed on the 

 22d of June, at a pond close to the sea-beach near San Diego. He describes it as 

 bluish wlute, and as measuring 1.(36 inches in length and 1.32 inches in breadth. 

 After the egg is laid the color becomes somewhat different. Eggs of this species 

 from Fort Crook, Cal. (Smithsonian Institution, Xo. 5252), are of an ivory-white 

 color, with a deep creamy tinge. Three eggs jiresent the following measurements : 

 1.85 by 1.40 inches, 1.75 by 1.35 inches, 1.90 liy 1.35 inches. 



University Press ; John Wilson & Son, Cambridge. 







