242 SHOVELLER DUCK. 
This species is generally considered scarce in the United States, 
and I believe it is so, for, although many pass northward and breed in 
the Fur Countries, a greater number spend the summer months in the 
Texas and the districts farther westward. It is however abundant on 
the streams of the Rocky Mountains, as well as on the tributaries of the 
Columbia River, where it was frequently observed by Dr TownsEenp, 
during summer. 
We have no Ducks in the United States whose plumage is more 
changeable than that of the male of this beautiful species. While the 
female is sitting on her eggs, he undergoes a moult, after which he ap- 
pears mottled, and seems as if inclined to assume the garb of his part- 
ner. From this period, the beginning of July, until late in November, 
very few finely-coloured males are to be seen, and only such as have not 
mated that season, in which case they do not moult until the beginning 
of winter, as if to be the sooner ready to associate with females on the 
approach of the next breeding season. 
In the Carolinas, this species, though found during winter in the 
rice fields, is not abundant; more than three or four being seldom seen 
together. In our Central and Eastern Districts, they are rather rare, 
and a male in full dress is not to be obtained without difficulty, although 
I have seen some in the markets of New York and Philadelphia. 
The Shoveller walks prettily, and I have often admired its move- 
ments in the puddles formed by heavy dashes of rain in our southern 
corn-fields, where I have found it in company with the Wood Duck, 
the Mallard, and the Pin-tail. Its flight resembles that of the Blue- 
winged Teal; and in tenderness as well as in flavour, it rivals, as an 
article of food, that beautiful bird. No sportsman who is a judge 
will ever pass a Shoveller to shoot a Canvass-back. It is rarely how- 
ever found on salt water, and that only when compelled to resort 
thither. 
In the beginning of May, when I was in Texas, I found Shovel- 
lers breeding in considerable numbers. The males had already left 
the females, and were seen on the sand-bars of the Bay of Galveston, 
up to the River St Jacinto, but none of my party discovered the nest. 
During the autumn, they are to be seen on the waters adjoining the 
Ohio, and generally in ponds in company with the Bald-pate or Ame- 
rican Widgeon, when they become very fat, and afford delicious eating. 
At this time I have been often much pleased when, on perceiving a flock 
ro pnd we Eh 
