ANATIN2E — THE DUCKS — QUERQUEDULA. 
537 
Captain Bendire found it more common than either of the other two species of Teal 
in Eastern Oregon, where it breeds in large numbers. It begins laying about May 15, 
and not infrequently he found its nest placed a hundred yards or more from the 
nearest water. Dr. Merrill states that it passes through Texas in its migrations, but 
is more abundant there in the spring than in the autumn. 
Its nest is composed of coarse grass lined with feathers from the breast of the 
mother, and is placed in the marshes, usually near ponds and still water. The eggs 
are from twelve to fourteen in number, and are described by some writers as of a 
pale green color ; but I have never seen any to which this description applies. 
Dr. Cooper obtained an egg, just ready for exclusion, from a female killed on the 
22d of June, at a pond close to the sea-beach near San Diego. He describes it as 
bluish white, and as measuring 1.66 inches in length and 1.32 inches in breadth. 
After the egg is laid the color becomes somewhat different. Eggs of this species 
from Fort Crook, Cal. (Smithsonian Institution, No. 5252), are of an ivory-white 
color, with a deep creamy tinge. Three eggs present the following measurements : 
1.85 by 1.40 inches, 1.75 by 1.35 inches, 1.90 by 1.35 inches. 
University Press : John Wilson & Son, Cambridge. 
