ORDER ANSERES. 



LAMELLIROSTRAL SWIMMERS. 



Family ANATIDtE. Ducks, Geese, 



and Swans. 



This large family contains nearly 200 species, distributed through- 

 out the world. They are subdivided into several well marked groups 

 or subfamilies. 



Subfamily MERGINtE. The Mergansers or 

 Sheldrakes. 



The Mergansers or Sheldrakes are fish eaters, and the flesh of the 

 adults of most species is strong and unpalatable. The Hooded Mer- 

 ganser is an exception, however, and it is an excellent table bird when 

 properly prepared. Three species occur in Illinois and Wisconsin. 

 They are easily recognized by their long narrow bills edged with 

 small tooth-like serrations. 



Male. 



American Merganser. 

 316 



Female. 



