RIVER DUCKS 



(136) Mareca penelope 



(Linn.) (Brazilian, a kind of teal). 



EUROPEAN WIDGEON. Ad. 

 & — As shown. Crown buff y- white; 

 rest of head reddish-brown, covered 

 with black specks; tertials biiffy- 

 white, with a black stripe in the mid- 

 dle. Ad. 9 — Head, neck and up- 

 per breast buffy, more or less streaked 

 and barred with dusky; tertials bor- 

 dered with deep buff; greater coverts 

 brownish-gray, tipped with black. 

 L., 20.00; \V., 10.50; B., 1.40. 



Range — Northern part of the 

 Eastern Hemisphere. Occurs cas- 

 ually in winter and during migrations 

 on both the Atlantic and Pacific 



coasts and from Wis. 

 southward. 



and Mich. 



not uncommon and, during fall and winter, quite large 

 flocks of them may be seen flying swiftly, stretched out in a 

 long hne, abreast. When migrating, and often when on the 

 water, they utter continuous, soft, mewing whistles. 



Widgeons are one of the wariest of ducks and are endowed 

 with very keen sight or insight, as some hunters believe; 

 their suspicions often prevent flocks of other species, with 

 which they are associated, from settling among decoys. 

 On this account they are not kindly regarded by many 

 gunners, although their flesh is excellent. They frequently 

 go with Redheads and Canvas-backs, and, according to 

 ElUot, pilfer food secured by these duclcs from depths to 

 which they themselves cannot dive. 



Although common along the Atlantic coast of the United 

 States in winter and during migrations, Baldpates, and 

 also many other ducks ha\dng similar distribution, do not 

 nest anywhere in the region near this coast, but spend 

 the summer from Minnesota and North Dakota northward 

 and west of Hudson Bay to Alaska. Their nests are built 



