DUCKS, GEESE AND SWANS OF NORTH AMERICA. 



43 



in winter, where it may be distinguished from the local species {Anas fidvi- 

 gula) by its darker color and streaked throat. 



The nest is placed on the ground, the eggs lieing pale greenish white, and 

 usually from nine to twelve in number. 



The male says: "Drake, drake, drake, drake," and also "Shwipe," in a 

 husky voice; the female, "quacks." 



This species may always be distinguished from the female of the Mallard 

 by the absence of white on the speculum. 



ANAS FULVIQULA Ridgway. 



Florida Black Duck. 



AAidt male ; Upper mandiljle, yellowish olive ; 

 nail and spot at base of mandiljle, black, some- 

 times mixed with dull orange; under mandible, 

 j'ellowish olive, dusky at tip ; legs and toes, pale 

 orange, with the webs red; iris, brown. 



Adult female : Legs and toes, dull Indian red; 

 webs, mottled brownish and flesh color; upper 

 mandible, yellowish olive, showing a browuisli 

 stripe on the middle, and the nail and a spot at the 

 base, black; under mandible, pale orange yellow. 



General appearance of the Northern Black 

 Duck, but lighter, and having the throat and 

 cheeks almost without streaks and very pale 

 buff in color. 



Length, 20; wing, 10.20; bill, 2; tarsus, 1.70. 



This species is resident in Florida, 

 and also occurs on the Gulf coast west 

 to Louisiana. 



The nest is placed on the ground, usuall}^ in a marsh near water. Incuba- 

 tion commences the latter part of March or early in April. The eggs are pale 

 brown, often showing a greenish tinge, and numbering usually eight to ten, 



but I have heard of fourteen being taken from one nest. 

 that of the Black Duck. 



The note resembles 



