NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 



83 



The Shoveller, or Spoonbill Duck, Is common in the noriuern portions of the 

 globe. Said to have the most extended disrtribution of any species of the duck tribe, 

 being more or less common in every portion of Europe and Asia, except in the 

 extreme north; is found in Northern and Central Africa, and other portions of the 

 tropical world. It is not common in England, where it breeds sparingly, but is more 

 abundant in Scotland. In North America this peculiar-looking duck breeds tnrough- 

 out its range in all suitable places; it winters chiefly in the south. It may easily be 

 recognized by its broad bill, blue wing coverts and green speculum, The iris is yellow 

 and the feet bright orange. The Spoonbill makes his nest on the ground in boggy 

 places which are diflBcult of access. It is composed of grass and weeds. The eggs 

 are greenish^gray, or faintly bluish; elliptical; six to ten in number; averaging in 

 size about 2.10 by 1.50. 



143. PINTAIL. Dafila acuta (Linn.) Geog. Dist. — Northern Hemisphere. In 

 America migrates south to Panama and Cuba. 



In North America the Pintail, or Sprig-tail, is a common species everywhere, 

 being found as far north as Greenland and the Arctic coast, and south to the Isthmus 

 of PanamS and to Cuba, breeding from the Northern States northward tnroughout 



Nest ahd Egos of the Pintail Duck. (Photo, by W. Raine.) 



the Pur Countries to Alaska, and in Greenland. It is abundant in the United States 

 during the spring and fall migrations. In the vicinity of Los Angeles, California, 

 Mr. Shields says it is very abundant during the entire winter, and a few remain to 

 breed. The place usually selected for the nest is in tall buncues of prairie grass, 

 seldom far from water. The number of eggs laid is commonly eight or nine; these 

 are deposited about the middle of May. If the eggs are taken the bird will im- 

 mediately deposit a second set, which is seldom more than five or six in number. 



