Birds of Massachusetts. 245 
The Woop or Summer Duck, Anas sponsa, is a 
most beautiful bird, which makes its home in Mas- 
sachusetts, in quiet retreats near ponds and rivers, 
where some of them spend the winter. They sel- 
dom visit the coast, but prefer the fresh water, 
their food consisting of grapes, beechnuts, acorns, 
and such berries as are found in the vicinity of ponds 
and streams. ‘They also eat tadpoles and water in- 
sects, reaching their necks into the water to secure 
them, after the manner of the mallard. On the 
ground they run fast; they also move with firmness 
on the larger branches of trees. They swim and 
dive well, often stopping near the edge of the water, 
with nothing except the bill above; but often, when 
alarmed, they run into the depths of the wood. 
Their sense of hearing is very delicate, and aids 
them to escape from their various enemies. Their 
flight is rapid and graceful; they move through the 
trees and foliage as readily as the pigeon. 
The wood ducks build in May, in the hollow 
part of a branch or the deserted hole of a large 
woodpecker, which they enter readily, though the 
entrance seems much smaller than their bodies. 
The eggs, which are from six to fifteen, of a yel- 
lowish green, are laid on dry plants, and down 
plucked from the parent’s breast, together with the 
feathers of various other birds. As soon as the young 
are hatched, if the nest is over the water, they spread 
their little wings and feet, and drop into the stream ; 
if not, the mother carries them carefully to the 
water, in her bill; sometimes she lets them fall on 
the dry leaves below, and then conducts them to 
