WOOD DUCK. 53 



tunities which I have had of examining the many interesting objects 

 that attracted my notice. And now, let me endeavour to describe the 

 habits of the Wood Duck, in so far as I have been able to apprehend 

 them. 



This beautiful species ranges over the whole extent of the United 

 States, and I have seen it in all parts from Louisiana to the confines of 

 Maine, and from the vicinity of our Atlantic coasts as far inland as my 

 travels have extended. It also occurs sparingly during the breed- 

 ing-season in Nova Scotia ; but farther north I did not observe it. 

 Everywhere in this immense tract I have found it an almost constant re- 

 sident, for some spend the winter even in Massachusetts, and far up the 

 warm spring waters of brooks on the Missouri. It confines itself, how- 

 ever, entirely to fresh water, preferring at all times the secluded retreats 

 of the ponds, bayous, or creeks, that occur so profusely in our woods. 

 Well acquainted with man, they carefully avoid him, unless now and then 

 during the breeding-season, when, if a convenient spot is found by them 

 in which to deposit their eggs and raise their young, they will even locate 

 themselves about the miller's dam. 



The flight of this species is remarkable for its speed, and the ease and 

 elegance with which it is performed. The Wood Duck passes through 

 the woods and even amongst the branches of trees, with as much facility 

 as the Passenger Pigeon ; and while removing from some secluded haunt 

 to its breeding-grounds, at the approach of night, it shoots over the trees 

 like a meteor, scarcely emitting any sound from its wings. In the lower 

 parts of Louisiana and Kentucky, where they abound, these regular ex- 

 cursions are performed by flocks of from thirty to fifty or more indivi- 

 duals. In several instances I have taken perhaps vmdue advantage of 

 their movements to shoot them on the wing, by placing myself between 

 their two different spots of resort, and keeping myself concealed. In this 

 manner 1 have obtained a number in the course of an hour of twilight ; 

 and I have known some keen sportsmen kill as many as thirty or forty in 

 a single evening. This sport is best in the latter part of autumn, after 

 the old males have joined the flocks of young led by the females. Se- 

 veral gunners may then obtain equal success by placing themselves at re- 

 gular distances in the line of flight, when the birds having in a manner 

 to run the gauntlet, more than half of a flock have been brought down in 

 the course of their transit. While passing through the air on such occa- 

 sions, the birds are never heard to emit a single note. 



