4 A NATURAL HISTORY OF THE DUCKS 



Many epicures consider the flesh of prime wild ducks superior to that of all other 

 game, and ducks are still sold literally by the carload in most of the large markets of 

 the world. European and English markets had even begun to draw upon Russia and 

 China before the war. Fortunately we in America have stopped the trade in ducks, 

 and hope to preserve for future generations at least a taste of the thrilling sport we 

 have enjoyed, and an occasional dish of the delicate birds as well. Upon the lordly 

 Canvas-back of the Chesapeake, which made old Frank Forester's mouth fairly 

 run with water, whole volumes of praise have been lavished. But of our American 

 ^Yidgeon and Ruddy Ducks almost as much might be written. 



RELATIONSHIP 



Although the present work is not especially concerned with classification, it is fit- 

 ting that the relationships of the order be briefly sketched. First of all we want to 

 know how to diagnose the Anseres (lamellirostral swimmers), and where to place 

 them among other birds. Second, we naturally ask about the records of fossil ducks 

 and geese in geological time. Third, we ought to know something about the great 

 groups, or subfamilies into which these toothed-billed swimming birds are divided, 

 and what their characteristics are; the lesser groups, or genera, may well be left to 

 the text of the book. And, fourth, one ought with considerable trepidation to ven- 

 ture an opinion as to which group or family seems to be the most primitive, and 

 which the most specialized. Finally, something should be said explaining the reasons 

 for arranging the ducks in the order in which they will appear; although it must be 

 recognized that any arrangement is purely arbitrary, and tells very little of the 

 actual relationship. 



The Anseres form a large and rather diverse order including the swans, geese, and 

 ducks. They have the bill moderately long or short, covered with soft skin, and on 

 the front or anterior end a nail-like, horny plate, which sometimes curves over the 

 end of the bill like a hook. The bill is usually flattened and the edges are supplied 

 with horny teeth, or lamellae. The tarsus is short, usually shorter than the middle 

 toe, and the front toes are webbed. The wings may be short, or moderately long, 

 and the young are precocial. The most important external characteristics are the 

 short legs, webbed feet, and laminated bill. 



Anatomically this order agrees with the storks in having the bridge or band form 

 of palate (desmognathous), but differs from them in having basipterygoid processes, 

 two pairs of a certain muscle attached to the windpipe (tracheosternal) ; and well- 

 developed, functional caeca. 



A group of birds called the screamers {Palamedea;) from South America is often 

 included as a suborder coordinate with the swans, geese, and ducks. These birds are 

 structurally very gooselike, although they do not look so. They are wading birds, 

 about the size of a small turkey, with a short decurved bill, and enormous feet with- 



