84 
interesting in such case to note that the typical Mallard speculum is a 
dominant factor and is almost invariably inherited in all crosses with 
other species. 
“The Mallard is the most important duck of the west and must be 
classed among the first two or three game birds of North America. It is 
a capable bird; a prolific multiplier raising nine or ten young; hardy in 
the extreme; coming north at the break-up and remaining on the prairies 
until freeze-up; in the first rank as a table-bird; elusive and wary enough as 
game. It has taken to feeding on the fields to an extent approached by 
no other Duck and the wheat or barley-fed Mallard is to the epicure the 
equal of any northern Canvas-back. Wondrous flights to the fields 
are seen on the prairies in places and sometimes in September damage is 
done to the wheat shocks. Large numbers of Mallards are shot on the fields 
and this has made the bird available as game to many hunters who cannot 
shoot upon the marshes. Only in the coastal west where, sometimes, on 
account of its habit of eating decomposing salmon and so becoming unfit 
for food, is the bird other than a favorite.” 
133. Black Duck, black mallard, dusky duck. Anas nibripes. L, 22. Very 
similar in general appearance to a very dark brown, almost black, female Mallard. In the 
male the general streakiness, though largely obscured by a uniform dark colour, persists 
strongly on the face. The same is true of the female to a less degree. 
Distinctions. Besides the general dark coloration, the absence of white borders to the 
puiple speculum fore and aft is distinctive in any plumage. There is no danger of con- 
fusing it with any of the black Scoters, because of the speculum and mallard-like bill, 
the hind toe of the River and Pond Ducks, and the streaky coloration on the face. 
Field Marks. Very dark, almost black with a silvery sheen to the underwing surfaces. 
It is too rare a bird west of the Great Lakes to be recorded on sight identification. 
Nesting. On the ground, near water. 
Distribution. An eastern bird not commonly found west of the Great Lakes. There 
are several Manitoba records and one from Saskatchewan. 
Figure 118 
Wing of Gadwall; 
scale, 1- 
Figure 117 
Gadwall; scale, }. 
Male 
Female 
135. GadwaU. grey duck, speckle-belly. Chaulelasmus streperus. L, 19-50. 
A streaked grey duck, white below, without much decided detail. Male ; finely vermiculated 
crosswise on flanks and back; head and neck finely and evenly speckled (Figure 117). 
Female: streaked in much the same pattern as female Mallard. All plumages with large 
white speculum edged forward with dead black and with lesser wing coverts chestnut-red 
(Figure 118). 
Distinctions. The large white speculum and chestnut-red upperwing coverts are 
always distinctive. In females and juveniles the red is sometimes scattered and faint, 
but always present. 
