DUCKS AND GEESE 73 



A single nest is frequently found containing eggs of both 

 canvas-back and redliead, but usually only one duck sits on 

 the eggs. 



LESSER SCAUP DUCK 



The Lesser Scaup, Little Black-head, Little Blue-bill, 

 Creek Broad-bill, Raft-duck, and Flocking-fowl, are some 

 of the numerous names applied to this species. Three varie- 

 ties of scaup ducks inhabit North America — the greater 

 scaup, the lesser scaup, and the ring-necked scaup. When 

 migrating, the lesser scaup frequents both fresh and salt 

 water, but during the breeding season it is usually seen in 

 the interior. 



In general appearance and habits, this duck resembles 

 the great scaup, but averages one and one-half inches 

 shorter. In many localities it is the most abundant duck; 

 this is true of the Calumet region of northern Illinois and 

 Indiana. The little scaup furnishes royal sport to the gun- 

 ners, especially during October and April, being easily 

 decoyed. 



ISIany lesser scaups, especially the males, linger on Lake 

 Michigan six months in the year; in fact, tliis bird has been 

 recorded monthly from January to December. 



The scaups are expert divers, often descending forty feet 

 below the surface for their food. When pursued, wounded 

 birds have been known to dive among aquatic plants and 

 close their bills on some reed, remaining there until dead. 



Like the chimney s^\^ft, a trio of birds are commonly 

 observed flying together, usually a drake and two females. 



Like certain other ducks, the lesser scaups do not breed 



