342 
SWIMMERS. 
ments. The only time when they can be approached within 
gunshot, like so many other of the species, is about daybreak, 
from an ambush or the shelter of some concealment. 
In the London markets these Ducks are sold under the 
name of Dun Birds, and are very deservedly esteemed as a 
delicate and well-flavored game. 
Although it has been said that this species will not live in 
confinement, Mr. Rennie states that no bird appears sooner 
reconciled to the menagerie ; and one in his possession which 
had been badly wounded in the wing took immediately to feed- 
ing on oats, and after three years confinement ajjpeared very 
tame, and remained in good health. 
The Redhead is generally distributed throughout North Amer- 
ica, but is uncommon or rare in New England and the adjacent 
Provinces, while common to abundant on the Great Lakes and 
westward. It breeds from Maine northward, and winters in Clies- 
apeake Bay, and south to the shores of the Gulf of Mexico. 
While in general appearance this bird is so like the Canvas-back 
that purchasers are readily deceived as to the species the market- 
man is offering them, yet the difference is so pronounced that but 
little care is required to select the more delicately flavored of these 
cousins. In the Canvas-back the head is dark brown, — almost 
blackish brown, — in contrast to the rich chestnut of the Redhead, 
and the bill of the former displays more black color. The shape 
of the head is different also, that of the Canvas-back being longer 
and narrower. 
