Wyoming Birds. 



^7 



ORDER V. ANSERES. 



ANATIDAE (Ducks, Geese, and Swans). 



The ducks and geese are among the principal game birds of this 

 region. The fact that they are decreasing in numbers is interesting, 

 if not alarming. All those that breed with us should be protected 

 in even' possible way during the breeding season. A strict compli- 

 ance with game laws and perhaps a restriction of the size of the 

 bag should be fostered by sportsmen. 



The food of ducks consists of mollusks, crustaceans, insects 

 and their larvae, and roots and seeds of aquatic plants. The young 

 are frequently fed upon grasshoppers and shore insects. Their bills 

 are adapted to straining the food from the mud. 



The Merganser is an exception, being a fish eater. 



References : 



1. Chapman's Hand Book of Birds, 1912, p. 190. 



2. Year Book, Department of Agriculture, 1900, p. 435. 

 3- North American Fauna, 7, p. 15. 



4. Bureau of Biological Survey, Circular No. 81. 



129. Mergus americanus: Merganser. 



Fairly common summer resident over most of the state. 



130. Mergus serrator: Red-*reased Merganser. 



Uncommon migrant. Reported by Knight, and from the 

 western part of the state by Blackwelder. Clearwaters also 

 records it. 



131. Lophodytes curcullatus: Hooded Merganser. 



Probably a summer resident over the entire state. The re- 

 cent records are very meager. 



132. Anas platyrhynchos: Mallard. 



The most plentiful duck of the state. Summer resident in 

 almost all localities. A few winter with us. 



135. Chaulelasmus streperus: Gadwall. 



Fairly common summer resident over most of the state. 



136. Mareca penelope: European Widgeon. 



Mr. Percival reports having taken a male specimen in 1910. 

 There is one specimen in the collection of mounted birds 

 at the Cheyenne High School which was presumably taken 

 in that vicinity. 



