36 o 
SWIMMERS. 
epitome of its female parent, generally gray, with the rufous 
head and neck and the rudiments of a growing crest. After 
suffering itself to be examined with great calmness and without 
any apparent fear, we restored it to its more natural element, 
and at the first effort this little diminutive of its species flew 
under the water like an arrow, and coming out to the surface 
only at considerable distances, we soon lost sight of it, making 
good its aquatic retreat in quest of the parent. On inquiry we 
learned from the tavern-keeper that for several years past a 
nest or brood of these birds had annually been seen near this 
solitary and secluded island. In such situations, probably, 
escaping the observation of man, many of these birds spread 
through the country and breed from Pennsylvania to the 
remotest parts of the Canadian fur countries. 
This bird is not found in abundance in any part of our temperate 
regions, but it breeds (sparingly) about latitude 45°, and thence to 
the fur countries, — probably to the limit of forests. It winters 
mostly on the coast from New Brunswick to the Southern States. 
RfiD-BREASTED MERGANSER. 
shelldrakp:. 
Merganser serrator. 
Char. Head black, with green reflections, the feathers of the nape 
elongated to a conspicuous crest ; white collar on the neck ; back black ; 
wings mostly white, the outer feathers black; in front of the w'ings a tuft 
of white feathers broadly edged with black ; breast pale chestnut, streaked 
with black ; belly white; bill red; legs and toes reddish orange. Length 
20 to 25 inches. 
The female is smaller, and ha.s the head and neck reddish brown, — 
almost similar iit coloration to the fetnale amertcanus. 
Nest. Generally on an inland island or the bank of a secluded stream, 
placed under cover of a bush or rock, or concealed amid rank herbage ; 
usually made of grass, heather, or leaves, and lined with down. Some- 
times the first eggs are laid on the bare ground, and down gradually 
tucked about them. 
Ef^s. 6-12 {usually about 9); olive gray or pale drab, tinged with 
green ; 2.60 X 1.70. 
