316 ANATID^. 



its sharp hooked claws enable it to sit and move about 

 with perfect ease. 



It is common enough in the neighbourhood of the 

 Lakes of Upper Canada, and may constantly be seen 

 during the summer months, darting noiselessly and 

 swiftly through the water-side belts of wood, or 

 emerging from the hollow of some old gnarled trunk in 

 which it has its nest; for it breeds throughout these 

 districts as well as in many parts of the Lower Province. 



Though they are sometimes seen in small flocks, I 

 have myself only met with them either singly or in 

 pairs; and it is a striking sight to watch them cleaving 

 the air with the grace and speed of the hawk, and 

 alighting suddenly on the branch of a tree. The first 

 time I ever saw one, I was excessively astonished, never 

 having heard of such a bird, and was divided between 

 anxiety to obtain the specimen and reluctance to shoot 

 anything so curious and beautiful. 



The head of the male bird is ornamented by a pen- 

 dent tuft of green, white and purple feathers, about 

 two and a half inches in length, which he has the 

 power of elevating : a fact which does not appear to be 

 noticed by any naturahst. In the female this is merely a 

 rudimentary crest. The bill, which is a reddish orange, 

 is hooked ; the sides of the head are white and purple ; 

 and a band of pure white encircles the neck. The 



