234 Trans. Acad. Sci. of St. Louis. 



QuEEQUEDULA CYANOPTEEA (VieUlot). Cinnamon Teal. 

 Occasional visitant. 



This western species has been noted many timefe in this 

 vicinity, usually in the company of its near relative the Blue- 

 wing. 



A pair taken by Bryant in 1904 were killed within the city 

 limits. A flock of five were taken by Tindall at Lake City in 

 1895. A single bird was observed on a nearby lake on April 17, 

 1915. Another was seen on the same lake on April 15, 1916, 

 where it remained for over a week. Still another record comes 

 from the same place in April, 1917. 



Spatula clypeata (Linn.). Shoveller. 



Very common migrant; possibly a rare summer resident. 



The arrival and departure dates of this duck are about the 

 same as those of the Blue-winged Teal. 



Pairs of these birds, observed every May lingering about 

 ponds and swampy bottom land, are without doubt seeking 

 nesting sites but are driven out by unfavorable conditions. 



This beautifully marked and easily recognized duck is fre- 

 quently seen on the park lakes. 



Dafila acuta (Linn.). 



Dafila acuta tzitzihoa (Vieillot). Proposed April, 1917. 

 Pintail. 

 Abundant migrant. 



Next to the Mallard and Lesser Scaup this is our commonest 

 duck. Its arrival and departure is coincident with that of the 

 Mallard. 



Tremendous flights of Pintails and Mallards occur every sea- 

 son over the Missouri Valley and present a wonderful and im- 

 pressive sight to bird lovers. Even at night the flocks may be 

 heard passing overhead and the different species may be distin- 

 guished by their notes. On favorable mornings when the migra- 

 tion is at its height, the observer may look in any direction and 

 see dozens of the flocks showing every conceivable variation of 

 flight formation. The most • favorable time for observation, if 

 there be no fog on the river, is early dawn and for an hour or 

 so afterward. 



The Pintail, or Sprig, is almost certain to be seen during every 

 migration on the Swope Park lakes. 



