BUFFLE-HEADED DUCK. 281 



thers down the occiput and nape. Bill darker 

 than that of the male. Feet grayish-blue, with 

 the webs dusky. Head, upper part of neck, hind 

 neck, back, and wings grayish-brown. A short 

 transverse white band from beneath the eye, and 

 a slight speck of the same on the lower eyelid. 

 Six of the secondary quills white, on the outer 

 web. Lower parts white, shaded into light grayish- 

 brown on the sides. Tail dull grayish-brown. 



Length to end of tail, 13 inches; extent of 

 wings, 22J; weight, 8 ounces. 



Individuals of both sexes differ much in size 

 and in the tints of their plumage. 



This pretty little species is common to nearly 

 every quarter of the United States, and frequents 

 both salt and fresh water. Local names : butter- 

 box, butter-ball, and little whistler. Their principal 

 food is fish, snails, etc. ; consequently, their flesh is 

 never so well flavored as that of the vegetable-eating 

 dueks. They are rarely found in poor condition. 

 Buffle-heads are exceedingly quick-motioned in all 

 their actions, very expert in diving, which they 

 practise constantly when on the water, and fly 

 very swiftly, the action of their wings often mak- 

 ing a whistling noise as they pass through the air. 

 They do not set their wings back and stop their 



