ANATIN^ — THE DUCKS — .ETHYIA. 



31 



The far-famed Canvas-back Duck is an exclusively North American species. 

 Closely resembling, in appearance, habits, and in very many of its general character- 

 istics, the Pochard of Europe and the Red-head of America, it is still quite distinct 

 from, and superior to, both these species in the reputation and the intrinsic excel- 

 lence of its flesh. It is found throughout North America, from the Arctic Ocean to 

 Central America, on the interior waters, and on both shores. It is not found on 

 either shore of the more 

 northern portions of the 

 continent, unless as an ex- 

 ceptional occurrence. It 

 breeds on the interior ponds, 

 rivers, and lakes, from Ore- 

 gon to the more extreme 

 northern portions of the 

 continent. 



Only a single specimen 

 was obtained by Mr. Salvin 

 from the Lake of Duefias, 

 in Guatemala. Mr. Dresser 

 met with it in Texas — kill- 

 ing two on the Nueces, and 

 seeing others on Turkey 

 Creek. 



Mr. Dall speaks of it as 

 occurring at Fort Yukon, 

 where it was breeding in 

 abundance ; but none were 

 seen on the Yukon River 

 to the southwest of that 

 point, nor is there any evi- 

 dence that this species is 

 known on the Pacific coast 

 north of Vancouver Island, 

 where its presence was no- 

 ticed by Mr. R. Browne. 



According to Dr. Cooper 

 this Duck is very common 



along the Pacific coast, wintering from Puget Sound to San Diego. It is also found 

 on the interior rivers, being quite abundant along the Colorado at that se.ison, 

 arriving in October and remaining until April, when it departs for its northern 

 breeding-places. Dr. Newberry found it more abundant than any other Duck in the 

 lakes and streams of the Cascade Range, in whose deep solitudes he obtained sat- 

 isfactory evidence that this bird nests, and rears its young, as he frequently met with 

 broods of this Duck. 



The Vallis7ierla, on which plant the Canvas-back feeds in the Chesapeake and 

 other waters east of the mountains, is not found on the Pacific coast ; and this spe- 

 cies, being there obliged to live on grass, seeds, and the other usiml food of the Duck 

 family, is not considered superior to the Mallard, or even as good as that bird. 

 The Canvas-backs assemble in great flocks in the bays, especially at night ; they sleeji 

 on the open water, at which time many are shot by the hunters, who pursue them in 



Male. 



