214 KEY TO THE WATER BIRDS OF FLORIDA. 
the Atlantic coast and is the common ‘‘ Shelldrake” of Florida; some winters 
they are abundant. This and the Hooded Merganser are the two species 
which are common in Florida in winter. 
The female of this species may be easily distinguished from the American 
Merganser by the difference in the measurement of the bill; the bird is also 
somewhat smaller. The distance from the nostril to the tip of the bill in 
this species measures more than 1.50 inches. 
It breeds from New Brunswick northward, the eggs being pale buff in 
color and usually from eight to twelve in number. 
Genus LOPHODYTES Reicu. 
LOPHODYTES CUCULLATUS (Linn.). 
Hooded Merganser. 
7 
Wa 
Adult male: Head with large black and 
white crest ; upper parts black; under parts 
white having the sides brownish delicately 
barred with black. 
Length, 19.50; Wing, 7.75; Tarsus, 1.30; 
Bill, 1.50. 
Adult female: Head and neck brownish, show- 
ing a slight crest, but not nearly as large as in 
the male; under parts white. 
Length, 18.50; Wing, 7.75; Tarsus, 1.30: 
Bill, 1.50. 
The young bird resembles the female, but has no crest. 
Length, 18.50; Wing, 7.70; Tarsus, 1.25; Bill, 1.50. 
This species is found in 
many parts of North 
America, having a wide 
distribution. It is com- 
mon in Florida in winter, 
(Male.) and ranges along the Gulf 
coast to Mexico and Cuba, breeding throughout its 
range. The eggs are usually deposited in a hollow 
tree near the water ; they are white, sometimes buffy 
white in color, and usually number from seven to 
ten. It has a peculiar note, somewhat resembling 
that of the Scaup Duck, but sharper. 
(Female.} 
