KEY TO THE WATER BIRDS OF FLORIDA. 229 
parently, no constant characters (with the possible exception of size) by 
which it may be separated from that species; the head, as a rule, shows 
greenish reflections, while the Lesser Scaup Duck generally has the head 
glossed with purplish, but these characters cannot be always depended upon 
and the main difference is one of size. 
The eggs are described as being pale olive buff and number from six to 
ten. It nests on the ground, as is common with the Sea Ducks. 
The only duck that this common bird is likely to be confounded with is 
the Ring-neck, and it can always be distinguished at a glance from that 
species by the white band on the wing (speculum), which is always gray in 
the Ring-neck. 
AYTHYA AFFINIS (&yz.). 
Lesser Scaup Duck. 
Male: WResembles the male of the preceding species but is somewhat smaller in size; the 
head generally shows a faint gloss of purplish, while the Greater Scaup Duck shows a greenish 
tinge on the head. 
Length, 17; Wing, 8.10; Tarsus, 1.50; Bill, 1.80. 
The female resembles the female of the preceding species but varies in being smaller; the 
speculum of both the male and female is white, and this duck may always be distinguished 
from the Ring-neck by this character. 
Length, 16.50; Wing, 7.70; Tarsus, 1.25’; Bill, 1.50. 
This bird ranges throughout North America, breeding north of the United 
States, and occurs in winter south to Guatemala and West Indies. It is the 
most common species in Florida, being one of the first to arrive and among 
the last to leave the State. I have seen small flocks of them in the rivers as 
late as the first of May. The note of this and the Greater Scaup Duck is a 
peculiar sound, difficult to describe but rather easy to imitate. It somewhat 
resembles the sound made by rubbing the finger quickly and lightly over a 
roll-top desk. 
AYTHYA COLLARIS (Dozov.). 
Ring-necked Duck. 
Adult male; Wead and neck, upper breast and upper back black, showing faint bluish 
reflections when held in the light. In the breeding season the male has an orange chestnut 
collar which is usually lacking later in the season; belly white with the lower belly finely lined 
