RIVER ULCKS 



Aix sponsa 



water fowl; LaL, 



(144) 



(Linn.) (Cjr., 

 trothed, in reference to the beautiful (bridal) 

 plumage), 



WOOD DUCK ; SUM M E R 

 DUCK; BRIDAL DUCK. Ad. cf — 

 Handsomely plumaged as shown. Iris 

 red. Bill multicolored. Feet orange. 

 Head with purple and greenish re- 

 flections. Ad. 9 — Gray, with white 

 eye-patch, white chin, throat and 

 under parts; breast and sides mot- 

 tled with grayish-brown; wings like 

 those of the cT but grayish-black. 

 L., 19.00; W., 9.00; T., 4.50; B., 1.40. 

 A^est — In cavities of trees; eight to 

 fifteen buffy eggs, 2.00 .x 1.50. 



Range — Breeds throughout the 

 United States and southern Canada. 

 Winters from N. J., 111. and B. C. 

 south to Mexico and the Gulf. 



beautiful species to be found anywhere. For the reason 

 that the bridal dress is supposed to be a most exquisite 

 creation, the species was given a technical name meaning 

 betrothed. It is also often known as the Bridal Duck, 

 although Summer Duck is more frequently applied to it. 



Wood Ducks are the only species that nests throughout 

 the United States and in the southern British Provinces. 

 During summer they frequent clear wooded lakes rather 

 than the marshy regions chosen by most ducks. They 

 nest in cavities of trees and never on the ground, although 

 sometimes they choose very peculiar situations, the most 

 remarkable of which I have record being the indi\ddual 

 that for several years built her nest in an unused stovepipe 

 projecting from the side of a boat house. 



Usually the nesting tree is close to the water, often over- 

 hanging it, but sometimes they have to select one several 

 yards away, A surprising feature is that the entrance hole 

 is often not more than half as large as one would think 

 necessary, yet the female enters and leaves readily. The 



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