THE WOOD DUCK. 243 



est us in that model of beauty of its kind, the Com- 

 mon Summer or Wood Duck. This is one of the few 

 species which remain within the limits of the States 

 throughout the year, much the larger proportion re- 

 tiring to the "far north" to breed. The Summer 

 Duck is certainly one of the most elegant of its tribe; 

 its plumage being richly glossed with green and gold, 

 and purple and black, in some places mottled with 

 white, or finely barred with black and fawn. The 

 head presents a fine appearance, surmounted by a 

 long crest of green, and the cheeks beautifully marked 

 with black and white. It appears to be widely spread 

 over the whole extent of the country, from Louisiana 

 to Maine, and westward some distance up the Mis- 

 souri river. Within these limits it may almost be 

 said to be a constant resident. It generally builds 

 its nest in a hollow tree, frequently in the deserted 

 hole of a large Woodpecker, giving the preference to 

 such trees as are near the water, or which overhang 

 pools or marshes. The number of eggs which the 

 female deposits varies much ; Audubon says from six 

 to fifteen ; Wilson speaks of a nest containing thir- 

 teen. It is a singular fact, according to the first- 

 named author, that upon the female having completed 

 her number of eggs, she is at once deserted by the 

 male, who, joining with a few others, roams about 

 until the young are able to fly, when the old and 

 young unite in one flock, and remain together until 

 another season comes round. 



The Green and the Blue-winged Teal are also two 

 handsome Ducks, but are only known to us as tran 



