388 BUFF-BREASTED MERGANSER. 



generally preferred by it, even when rather shallow, provided their beds are 

 of sand or pebbles, for it is rarely seen on muddy or stagnant waters, even 

 during the breeding season, when it returns to the inland lakes. Like the 

 Grebes it has the power of sinking backwards, and it dives expertly, 

 remaining occasionally several minutes beneath the surface. It usually 

 swims and dives against the current, and close by the shores, extricating 

 itself from floating ice by passing under it. Its voracity is great, so that it 

 consumes an extraordinary quantity of fish. I have found fishes in its 

 stomach seven inches in length, and of smaller kinds so many as to weigh 

 more than half a pound. Digestion takes place with great rapidity, insomuch 

 that some which I have fed in captivity devoured more than two dozen of 

 fishes about four inches in length, four times daily, and yet always seemed 

 to be desirous of more. The alleged awkwardness of this bird when on 

 shore is a fable, for I have seen individuals while courting in spring run with 

 great celerity fifty or more yards at a time, keeping nearly in an erect 

 position. On occasions of this kind I have observed on the sand-bars of the 

 Mississippi flocks of seven or eight males chasing each other with great 

 animosity. At other times, however, they are not fond of walking much, 

 but when on shore are generally seen lying flat on the ground. At times 

 the Mergansers rise almost at once on wing from the water, but at others 

 they seem to find considerable difficulty, patting it with their feet for many 

 yards. These differences seem to depend on various circumstances, such as 

 their being suddenly surprised, or during violent winds. They generally, if 

 not always, rise on wing against the breeze. 



The flight of the Goosander is powerful, and as rapid and sustained as that 

 of the Red-breasted and Hooded Mergansers. When fairly under way and 

 at a good height, they advance in an almost direct course and proceed with 

 surprising velocity, so that, when suddenly apprised of the vicinity of man, 

 they at times find it difficult to check their speed so quickly as may be 

 necessary for their safety. I well remember that on several occasions 

 having watched one of these birds flying directly up a creek and towards me, 

 I have taken aim at it and fired when it was at the proper distance, and yet 

 such had been its velocity that it would advance, after being shot, many 

 yards towards me. When rising from the water, whatever number may be 

 in the flock, they all start together, paddle off with their feet and wings, 

 stretching out their necks, and thus run as it were on the water to the 

 distance of twenty or thirty yards with great velocity, extending in a front, 

 or following each other in a line, according to the extent of the space before 

 them. They then gradually ascend to the height of the trees, and move off 

 to some considerable distance, but often return to the same place. They 

 seem to ascertain the fertility of the waters by sipping a little on their 



