89 
This is not the bird commonly called “Wood Duck” on the prairies 
and in the north. The birds generally so termed are the Golden-eye and the 
Buffle-head, both of which build in trees and seem fitted to the name. 
The Wood Duck is a very beautiful bird and its disappearance would 
cause profound regret to all. The way in which its numbers have been 
reduced in the east indicates that it cannot withstand the dangers of 
modern sporting and other conditions as do hardier, shyer, and more 
inaccessible species. It never seems to have been, except in certain locali- 
ties, as common as other Ducks, even in British Colombia, and though its 
numbers there may not be dangerously reduced, today the sports- 
men of that province and elsewhere would be well advised to confine their 
shooting to other more numerous and more commonplace species and thus 
extend the close season by a gentleman's agreement. In the East, a long, 
close season, and the stopping of spring shooting, appear to have had the 
desired effect of increasing the numbers of this species, but it seems to many 
of us that the greater value of this wonderful little bird is as an object of 
beauty rather than of sport. 
Subfamily— Fuligulinae. Bay, Sea, or Diving Ducks 
General Description. Heavily or compactly built Ducks with typically flattened or 
spatulate duck-like bill sometimes swollen or high at base (Figures 135-138), but always 
with flattened nail at tip (Figures 123 and 124). Hind toe modified into a flat, paddle- 
shaped lobe (like Figure 112). 
Distinctions. Bill will separate the Sea Ducks from Mergansers; and hind toe from 
River and Pond Ducks. 
Field Marks. Rather difficult to distinguish from the River and Pond Ducks except 
as species. They are in general more heavily built, with thicker and usually shorter necks. 
They dive rather than tip in feeding; rise less steeply from the water, and alight more 
awkwardly. 
Nesting. Usually on the ground, sometimes in trees. 
Distribution. Cosmopolitan, common across the continent, but likely to be more 
numerous on the coasts than in the interior. 
The Bay and Sea Ducks, though more at home on large waters, often 
frequent marshes and shallower waters for feeding or breeding. They are 
excellent divers, in some cases descending even to such depths as to be- 
come entangled in deeply set fish nets. The family includes some of our 
finest table-birds. Much said under previous subfamily, page 82, is true 
of these birds. 
Economic Status. The direct economic importance of their food 
habits is as a rule even less than that of other Ducks. 
146. Redhead. Marila americana. L, 19. Very similar in coloration to the Canvas- 
back, but slightly smaller and lighter in build (See Plate IX B of that species). 
Distinctions. A little smaller than the Canvas-back 
from which it differs only slightly. Compared with that 
species, the male has a slightly darker back and the red 
of the head does not extend to the shoulders. Females 
are almost identical with female Canvas-back, but 
somewhat darker, and can always be distinguished by 
the shape of the bill. In this species the culmen has a 
concave instead of a comparatively straight profile (com- 
pare Figures 123 and 124). The female also bears a 
general resemblance to the female Scaup Duck and 
Ring-necked Duck, but is larger than either and has no 
white face mark. Large size and general coloration of 
male, when distinguishable, separate it from anything 
but the Canvas-back. 
Field Marks. Large size, and general coloration of male when distinguishable, will 
separate it from anything but the Canvas-back. The outline of the head with crown rising 
Head outline of Redhead ; 
scale, |. 
