20 
THE BIRDS OF WISCONSIN. 
ally now. There are several more or less authentic records 
among well informed sportsmen in different parts of the state, 
and at club houses on Lake Koshkonong. 
Spatula clypeata (Linn.). SHOVELLER. 
This species does not seem to have decreased in numbers 
during the past thirty-five years to the same extent that most 
of the other ducks have. It is still a common duck, but can 
hardly be called abundant, as it does not occur in such great 
numbers as many others do. Arrives in southern Wisconsin 
about the first of April, and many remain until the ice closes 
the small lakes and streams in late fall, but it is most abundant 
during October. Essentially a duck of the large marshes and 
shallow lakes, in these localities considerable numbers still 
nest within the state, even to the most southern counties. It 
is exceedingly variable in plumage, and the males probably 
do not acquire the full dress until they are at least three years 
old. Anything like a complete series of the plumage changes 
of this bird would require not less than twenty or more 
individuals. A remarkable specimen was secured by L. K. 
in May, 1870, an adult female, just about to deposit eggs, 
with the breast and, in fact, all the lower parts from the neck 
down colored like a spring male ; the wings also showed an 
approach to the color pattern of the male. Otherwise the 
plumage was as in the normal female. We have noticed a 
tendency this way on one or two occasions before with other 
ducks. A most excellent table bird. 
Dafila acuta (Linn.). PINTAIL.. 
An abundant migrant. A. few still nest within the state, 
but they are being gradually pushed farther and farther north 
for the summer season. This is one of the ducks that have 
slowly changed their habits, until now it can be classed as a 
winter resident in many localities in southern Wisconsin. 
Wherever there are extensive corn fields, not too far from open 
spring-brooks, these ducks remain all winter. The pintail is 
most numerous in March and early April in pond holes and on 
large fields, and again in October on the lakes and large 
marshes. 
Aix sponsa (Linn.). WOOD DICK. 
Formerly a very common summer resident in all heavily 
wooded regions about streams. At the present time more 
common during the migrations, spring and fall, but in 
