360 SWIMMERS. 



epitome of its female parent, generally gray, with the rufous 

 head and neck and the rudiments of a growing crest. After 

 suffering itself to be examined with great calmness and without 

 any apparent fear, we restored it to its more natural element, 

 and at the first effort this little diminutive of its species flew 

 under the water like an arrow, and coming out to the surface 

 only at considerable distances, we soon lost sight of it, making 

 good its aquatic retreat in quest of the parent. On inquiry we 

 learned from the tavern-keeper that for several years past a 

 nest or brood of these birds had annually been seen near this 

 solitary and secluded island. In such situations, probably, 

 escaping the observation of man, many of these birds spread 

 through the country and breed from Pennsylvania to the 

 remotest parts of the Canadian, fur countries. 



This bird is not found in abundance in any part of our temperate 

 regions, but it breeds (sparingly) about latitude 45°, and thence to 

 the fur countries, — probably to the limit of forests. It winters 

 from New Brunswick and Illinois to the Southern States. 



RED-BREASTED MERGANSER. 



shelldrake. 



Merganser serrator. 



Char. Head black, with green reflections, the feathers of the nape 

 elongated to a conspicuous crest; white collar on the neck; back black; 

 wings mostly white, the outer feathers black ; in front of the wings a tuft 

 of white feathers broadly edged with black ; breast pale chestnut, streaked 

 with black ; belly white ; bill red ; legs and toes reddish orange. Length 

 20 to 25 inches. 



The female is smaller, and has the head and neck reddish brown, — 

 almost similar in coloration to the female americanus. 



Nest. Generally on an inland island or the bank of a secluded stream, 

 placed under cover of a bush or rock, or concealed amid rank herbage ; 

 usually made of grass, heather, or leaves, and lined with down. Some- 

 times the first eggs are laid on the bare ground, and down gradually 

 tucked about them. 



Eggs. 6-12 (usually about 9) ; olive gray or pale drab, tinged with 

 green; 2.60 X 1.70. 



