356 FEATHERED GAME 
in number from six to twelve ducklings, gen- 
erally nearer the smaller figure. 
The Dipper is a hardy little bird, staying 
in its northern home late into the fall and com- 
ing into our latitude only during the coldest 
weather, to leave again early in the spring. 
The male bird’s plumage is made up of 
sharply contrasted blacks and whites, with a 
brilliant sheen to the long, fluffy feathers of 
the head. The upper parts are mainly black, 
growing lighter toward the tail. Lower neck 
all around and under parts throughout are 
white, with faint dusky shadings on the flanks 
and sides. Except for a large triangular patch 
of white behind the eye the entire head is dark 
green, almost black, with a purplish irrides- 
cence. Most of the wing coverts are white, but 
a broad black line runs through them from the 
lower back to the shoulder. Tail dusky, feath- 
ers lighter on the edges. The bill is dull bluish 
with a black nail. Feet pale flesh color, webs 
dusky, nails black. Iris brown. 
The female is even smaller than the male and 
is of less decided tones; a dull grayish brown in 
color on the back with less of the contrasts 
shown in the plumage of the male bird. Whit- 
