BIRDS OF THE UNITED STATES. 
289 
Plate XLIX. 
LOPHODYTES CUCULLATUS, (Linn.) Keich. 
Hooded Sheldrake. 
The habitat of this species is nearly co-extensive with the whole of 
North America. Throughout considerable portions of the United States it 
is chiefly migratory, being seen only in the spring and fall. In the Mis- 
souri region it is the most common of the three species that inhabit this 
country, and is said hy writers to breed in Northern Dakota, and also on 
the Upper Missouri and Milk rivers. It was found along the banks of 
the A^ellowstone by the party under Lieutenant Warren, and by later 
expeditions, on the Green River. In New England, according to Samuels, 
it is less j^lentiful than any of the other Sheldrakes during the autumn, 
winter and early spring, but more recent writers — Messrs. Rich and Deane 
— have found it a not uncommon breeder in hollow stumps on Lake Um- 
bagog. In Central New York, Eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey it 
is quite often seen in tramitu, and in some localities a few are known to 
winter. But the majority, after spending the summer in the northern 
parts of the United States and the British possessions to their utmost 
limits, only quit these haunts when the streams have become frozen, for 
the creeks and rivers of our Southern States, and the still warmer climes 
of Mexico and Cuba. E. W. Nelson says they are common winter resi- 
dents upon Lake Michigan, and breed sparingly thronghout the State of 
Illinois. 
Though mainly an inland species, having a fondness for ponds, lakes 
and fresh-water streams, yet it does not confine its visits exclusively to 
such resorts, but forsakes them during very cold weather for the seashore. 
