RUDDY DUCK. 
335 
Nest. In the marshy margin of a pond or sluggish stream, amid the 
rank herbage close bv the water’s edge, — a loosely made, bulky structure 
of reeds and coarse grass, lined with grass. 
Eg^s, ? sometimes 20 ; pale buff or dirty white, with a rough surface , 
2.40 X I -So. 
This species, an exclusive inhabitant of America, retires to 
the North to breed, frequenting the small lakes in the interior 
of the fur countries up to the 5 8th parallel. On the 5 th of 
August it was also observed by Mr. Say at Pembino, in the 
latitude of 49°, where, no doubt, it also passes the period of 
reproduction. These birds are very unwilling to take wing, 
though they fly pretty well when once started. 1 hey dive 
with the greatest facility, and particularly at the flash of the 
gun, or even the report of the percussion-cap. When swim- 
ming they have a habit of carrying the tail so erect that it 
appears of the same height with the head and neck. Small 
flocks, consisting of the female and young, are often seen in 
Fresh Pond, in this vicinity j but scarcely ever the adult males, 
who seem to migrate usually apart at this season. They visit 
us early in October, and in the course of the winter proceed 
south to the extremity of the Union. On their first arrival 
they are tame and unsuspicious ; but the old males are ex- 
tremely shy and difficult of approach. Their food appears 
to be principally marine and fluviatile vegetables, and seeds, 
for which they dive. Besides gravel, I have found in the 
stomach seeds and husks of the Ruppia maritima. They 
rarely, if ever, visit the sea, but are found towards the head of 
tide-waters in estuaries and small ponds at no great distance 
from the ocean. They are common in the markets of Boston, 
where they are sold under the name of Dun-birds, and their 
flesh is good and much esteemed. 
The Ruddy Duck is said to be generally distributed over North 
America and to breed throughout its range; but in the New 
England States it occurs principally as a fall and spring migrant, 
and a few individuals have been seen during the winter months. 1 
think they breed on the Grand Lake Meadows in New Brunswick, 
for I have seen very young birds there. 
The males are rarely seen in full plumage, in which they make a 
