BLUE-WINGED TEAL. 113 
the females which we procured unequivocally exhibited the state of 
exhaustion common in the course of incubation. 
During the months of September and October, this species is plenti- 
ful on the Ohio, and in the whole of the Western Country, through 
which they pass again in April, but without tarrying. On the other 
hand, they seem to prolong their stay at this season in our Eastern Dis- 
tricts more than in autumn; and this is also the case in South Caro- 
lina, as I learn from the observations of my friend Joun Bacumay, 
who has seen them mated there as early as February. I have found 
them in the Boston markets on the 8th of September, but it is very 
rare to see any of them there in full spring dress. I saw or heard of none 
when I was in Labrador and Newfoundland ; from which it may be in- 
ferred that those found in the Fur Countries reach them through the 
interior. They also occur on the Columbia River. On the 21st of 
March 1821, I saw many Blue-winged Teals copulating on the Mis- 
sissippi, a little below Natchez; yet none of these birds have been 
known to breed in that section of the country. They were at the time 
mentioned on a sand-bar in company with some American Widgeons, 
_ which also were similarly employed. 
The flight of the Blue-winged Teal is extremely rapid and well 
sustained. Indeed, I have thought that, when travelling, it passes 
through the air with a speed equal to that of the Passenger Pigeon. 
When flying in flocks in clear sunny weather, the blue of their wings 
glistens like polished steel, so as to give them the most lively appear- 
ance ; and while they are wheeling over the places in which they in- 
tend to alight, their wings being alternately thrown in the shade and 
exposed to the bright light, the glowing and varied lustre thus pro- 
duced, at whatever distance they may be, draws your eyes involun 
tarily towards them. When advancing against a stiff breeze, they al- 
' ternately shew their upper and lower surfaces, and you are struck by 
the vivid steel-blue of their mantle, which resembles the dancing light 
of a piece of glass suddenly reflected on a distant object. During their 
flight, they almost constantly emit their soft lisping note, which they 
also utter when alighted and under apprehension of danger. I have 
never observed them travelling in company with other ducks, but have 
seen them at times passing over the sea at a considerable distance from 
land. Before alighting, and almost under any circumstances, and in 
any locality, these Teals pass and repass several times over the place, 
VOL, Iv. H 
