LIST AND DESCRIPTION 51 



kota, sometimes placing their nests in hollow trees near water. 

 In identifying the Mergansers, one must continually bear 

 in mind not only the difference between species but the wide 

 difference between male and female of the same species. 



SUBFAMILIES ANATIN^ AND FULIGULIN^. DUCKS 



The Duck family is a large and important one. No fewer 

 than twenty species are found in South Dakota either as sum- 

 mer residents or in migration. Since the federal game laws pro- 

 hibiting spring shooting were enacted there is a marked increase 

 in numbers, and it is hoped that public sentiment will become so 

 strong that everyone will discourage the violation of the game 

 laws. 



Ducks as a rule do not feed on injurious insects and, while 

 a few species consume quantities of obnoxious weed seeds, their 

 chief economic value is in the food they supply for mankind. 



One of the chief characteristics of the Duck family is the 

 marked color contrast in plumage between sexes. The plumage 

 of the young of the first year in most species resembles that of 

 the female. Females of Mallards, Black Ducks, Teals and Shov- 

 elers exhibit a marked similarity to the common breeds of barn- 

 yard Ducks. 



Ducks are usually separated into two divisions: River 

 Ducks and Sea Ducks. River Ducks embrace Mallards, Teals, 

 Shovelers, Pintails, Wood Ducks, Gadwalls, Baldpates aind Black 

 Ducks. The most common species of Sea Ducks in our State 

 are the Canvasbacks, Redheads, Scaups, Scoters, Golden-eyes, 

 Ruddy Ducks and Buffleheads. 



The distinguishing feature of the Sea Ducks is the large 

 webbed hind toe. 



132. Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos.) 



This fine bird is the largest of our edible Ducks, and an 

 abundant breeder and migrant in the State. Indeed it is more 

 or less common over the whole northern hemisphere. The male 

 adult has a green head, white neck ring, brown breast, purple 

 wing patch, with the balance of body mixed with gray. The fe- 

 male is uniformly buffy streaked with black, except for the purple 

 wing patch bordered with white. Most of our domestic breeds 

 are descendants of this species. 



