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THE SCAUP DUCK.— FLOCKING FOWL. 



■+ Fuligula Marila, Linn. 

 PLATE CCCXC VII.— Male and Female. 



The opinion, derived from Wilson's account of the Scaup Duck, that it 

 is met with only along our sea coasts, in bays, or in the mouths of rivers, as 

 far as the tide extends, is incorrect. Had Wilson resided in the Western 

 Country, or seen our large lakes and broad rivers during late autumn, win- 

 ter, or early spring, he would have had ample opportunities of observing 

 thousands of this species, on the Ohio, the Missouri, and the Mississippi, 

 from Pittsburg to New Orleans. I have shot a good number of Scaup Ducks 

 on all these rivers, where I have observed them to arrive early in October, 

 and whence they depart between the 1st of March and the middle of April. 

 I have not, however, seen any in small creeks, lagoons, or ponds. When 

 they arrive on the western waters, they are seen in flocks of from fifteen to 

 twenty individuals; but in a few weeks these flocks are joined by others, for 

 which reason the species is named in Kentucky the "Flocking Fowl." 

 They are, however, seldom seen close together while on the water, and they 

 rarely associate with other birds. 



The Scaup Duck seems to float less lightly than it really does, its body 

 being comparatively flat. It moves fast, frequently sipping the water, as if 

 to ascertain whether its favourite food be in it. Then turning its head and 

 glancing on either side to assure itself of security, down it dives with all 

 the agility of a Merganser, and remains a considerable time below. On 

 emerging, it shakes its head, raises the hind part of its body, opens its short 

 and rather curved wings, after a few flaps replaces them, and again dives in 

 search of food. Should any person appear when it emerges, it swims off to 

 a considerable distance, watches every movement of the intruder, and finally 

 either returns to its former place, or flies away. 



These birds are fond of large eddies below projecting points of land, but 

 frequently dive in search of food at a considerable distance from them. 

 When in eddies they may be approached and shot with less difficulty than 

 when in any other situation. If wounded only, they are not easily secured; 

 in fact, you need not go after them, for by diving, fluttering along the sur- 

 face, and cutting backward and forward, they generally elude pursuit. Be- 



