134 BIRDS 



Versicolor (Querquedula versicolor), the Chilian (Net- 

 tion Aavirostre) and the lovely and most recently imported 

 Ringed {N. torquatum) — are most engaging. Some, and 

 perhaps all, no doubt are hardy, but their rarity impels the 

 furnishing of heated quarters during the winter. 



The best known Australian species is the Australian 

 Gray Duck {Anas superciliaris) , a sturdy bird resembling 

 our Black Duck. 



Our own Wood Duck (Aix sponsa) and the Mandarin 

 {A. galericulata) , of eastern Asia, are easily the most beau- 

 tiful of all ducks. Although the males are totally different 

 in their wonderful coloring and patterns, the females are 

 strikingly alike and not easily distinguished by the novice. 

 But a comparison of the wide, white eye-ring of the Wood 

 Duck with the much smaller marking of the Mandarin 

 furnishes a ready key. 



Both species are among the hardiest and most easily kept 

 of ducks. A pair will thrive in summer in the smallest of 

 enclosures, if properly planted, and with a washtub for a 

 pool. In winter, if open water cannot be kept, they will 

 be perfectly happy in a shed or box stall. At liberty on a 

 larger pond, nothing could be more attractive than a mixed 

 flock of both species. 



The Wood Duck is a very free breeder, if provided with 

 a nest as already described. The Mandarin is much shyer, 

 but is not at all difficult to breed. Broods of both species 

 are reared yearly in the New York Zoological Park. The 

 young birds are exceedingly wild and active. They are 

 able to squeeze through the tiniest hole and can climb like 

 mice. It is therefore necessary to confine them tightly for 

 the first few days, until they become thoroughly familiar 

 with their surroundings and foster-mother. 



The Tree Ducks, of which there are a number of species, 

 mainly tropical, live well in captivity, but cannot endure 



