THE AMERICAN WIGEON. 

 Mereca americana (J. F. Gmelin). 

 Plate 48. 



This New World species, common in various parts of America according to the 

 season, and known there to sportsmen as Bald-pate," breeds in the northern 

 portions of that continent, whilst its southward migrations in winter extend some- 

 times to Guatemala and Cuba. It is said to have been found breeding in Iceland. 

 The American Wigeon has rarely visited Great Britain, and some of the records are 

 doubtful, or may possibly refer to escaped birds. Two specimens, a male and female, 

 were discovered by the late Mr. Bartlet, mixed with some Common Wigeon, in the 

 London market in the winter of 1837-38, another appeared in a Leeds game stall 

 in February 1895, and the last obtained was shot on the island of Benbecula, 

 Outer Hebrides, in January 1907. 



This species appears to be more of a fresh-water duck than our bird, and is 

 said to nest on high and dry ground at some distance from water among the 

 cover of trees and bushes. The eggs resemble those of its European congener, 

 being of a creamy-white colour. 



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