THE WOOD DUCK 325 
dotted with innumerable broad arrowheads of 
white, arranged in regular order, growing 
larger and more numerous as the chestnut shade 
grows paler until thus the entire area has be- 
come white. A large crescent of white in front 
of the wing, this edged with jet black. Below 
pure white, the sides growing pale yellow, finely 
waved with black, these lines becoming broader 
and darker toward the flanks, where the ends 
of the flank feathers are finished with broad 
zones of black and white. Bill pale pinkish, 
bright red at the base, black at the nail and 
along the ridge. Feet orange; iris red. Many 
specimens taken in October are as brightly col- 
ored as in the spring months. Have seen many 
adult males in the fall as brilliant as when in 
their wedding dress. 
The female is not so beautiful as her mate, 
having little or no crest, although the feathers 
on the nape are somewhat elongated. No such 
brilliancy of marking on the back or wings, the 
purple being much duller in hue. Head and 
neck grayish brown, darkening on the crown; 
chin, near base of bill and around the eyes, 
whitish. Below yellowish brown mottled with 
dusky ; belly growing white. Bill dusky. Feet 
