THE CANVAS-BACK DUCK. 221 



former, for while equally difficult of approach it is far 

 less common. 



The Ring-necked duck (Fulix coUaris) I imagine to 

 be the same bird as that called by Wilson the Tufted 

 duck, in which name, however, he is evidently wrong, 

 for the " Tufted duck" is not found in North America. 

 Though the Ring-necked duck undoubtedly has a small 

 tuft, it is principally distinguished by a ring or band of 

 chestnut which encircles the neck about half-way up : a 

 characteristic which is entirely wanting in the Tufted 

 duck, properly so-called, of Europe and Asia. 



The head of the Ring-necked duck is a glossy black 

 with purple reflections ; the bill broad and partially blue. 

 The neck above and below the chestnut ring described is 

 also black, as are the back and vent, the wings being 

 brown. It is a small duck, but the flesh is very tender 

 and excellent. It passes through Canada about the same 

 time of the year as the generality of other ducks, but in 

 fewer numbers. 



The Canvas-back Duck {Aythya valisneria), so well 

 known in this country as an article of luxury, is a species 

 exclusively North American. 



The excellence of flesh to which it owes its value 

 and celebrity, is due in a great measure to the nature of 

 its food during the autumn and winter months, which 

 at that season consists chiefly of the Valisneria Americana, 



