WOOD DUCK (Aix sponsa). Nearly 

 everyone is agreed that Wood Ducks are the 

 most beautiful of any species found in this 

 or any other country. The exquisitely col- 

 ored and crested head, the iridescent glossy 

 back and the dehcately marked flanks com- 

 bine to produce an effect that cannot be sur- 

 passed. Even the female is more beautiful 

 than that of other species. 



Beauty proves fatal to them, however, 

 for they are hunted, not only for sport and 

 food, but for their feathers, some of which 

 are used in fly-tying. Wood Ducks are oft- 

 times called "Summer Ducks" because they 

 are a warm-weather species and sometimes 

 termed "Bridal Ducks" because of their 

 beauty which is associated with bridal 

 robes. 



They frequent wooded lakes or creeks, 

 where they occasionally perch in the trees, 

 but more often are found along the shores or 

 floating among the grasses of lagoons. 

 Their note, which is sometimes uttered as 

 they take wing, is a single sharply whistled 

 "oeeck." They are of local occurrence and 

 breed throughout the United States and 

 southern Canada, but they are yearly be- 

 coming more scarce in all portions of their 

 range. Their nests are in the cavities of 

 trees, but not necessarily near the water's 

 edge. The ducklings either flutter down 

 the tree trunk or are carried to the ground m the bill of the mother. 



REDHEAD {Marila americana) . This name is so appropriate that it is 

 known by few others, one of which is "American Pochard." Redheads bear 

 superficial resemblance to Canvasbacks and the two are sometimes confused 

 by novices; the differences are apparent from the pictures, and are pointed out 

 in the next description. Redheads breed in central and western United 

 States and Canada and are abundant on the South Atlantic coast during 

 migrations and in winter. They are classed as one of the sea ducks, because 

 they are able to dive to great depths, but are found equally common on fresh 

 water. Their flesh is excellent after suitable feeding. 



WOOD DUCK ( 5 , ? ) 

 REDHEAD (9,3) 



13 



