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THE SCAUP DUCK. 



FuLiGULA Marila, Steph. 

 PLATE CCXXIX. Male and Female. 



The opinion, derived from Wilson's account of the Scaup Duck, 

 that it is met with only along our sea coasts, in bays, or in the mouths of 

 rivers, as far as the tide extends, is incorrect. Had Wilson resided in 

 the Western Country, or seen our large lakes and broad rivers during 

 late autumn, winter, or early spring, he would have had ample opportu- 

 nities of observing thousands of this species, on the Ohio, the Missouri, 

 and the Mississippi, from Pittsburg to New Orleans. I have shot a good 

 number of Scaup Ducks on all these rivers, where I have observed them 

 to arrive early in October, and whence they depart between the 1st of 

 March and the middle of April. I have not, however, seen any in small 

 creeks, lagoons, or ponds. When they arrive on the western waters, they 

 are seen in flocks of from fifteen to twenty individuals ; but in a few 

 weeks these flocks are joined by others, for which reason the species is 

 named in Kentucky the " Flocking Fowl." They are, however, seldom 

 seen close together while on the water, and they rarely associate with other 

 birds. 



The Scaup Duck seems to float less lightly than it really does, its 

 body being comparatively flat. It moves fast, frequently sipping the 

 water, as if to ascertain whether its favourite food be in it. Then turn- 

 ing its head and glancing on either side to assure itself of security, down 

 it dives with all the agility of a Merganser, and remains a considerable 

 time below. On emerging, it shakes its head, raises the hind part of its 

 body, opens its short and rather curved wings, after a few flaps replaces 

 them, and again dives in search of food. Should any person appear when 

 it emerges, it swims off" to a considerable distance, watches every move- 

 ment of the intruder, and finally either returns to its former place, or flies 

 away. 



These birds are fond of large eddies below projecting points of land, 

 but frequently dive in search of food at a considerable distance from 

 them. When in eddies they may be approached and shot with less diffi- 

 culty than when in any other situation. If wounded only, they are not 



