RIVER DUCKS 
91 
Nesting. On the ground, in some cases at considerable distance from water. 
Distribution. Roth continents of the northern hemispheres. In America north to 
Arctic coast. Nesting in Canada practically wherever found. 
This is one of the widest ranging 
and most generally common of the 
ducks. 
SUBSPECIES. The American Pintail 
(le Canard pilet d’Am^rique) is now separated 
from the Old World form under the name 
Dafila acuta tzitzihoa. 
“The Pintail is a duck of the 
prairies, the prairie slough being its 
Figure 136 
Tail of Pintail; scale, 3 , 
ideal habitat. As a game bird it is 
less popular than the Mallard, mainly 
because it does not often feed on the fields as that duck does, and because 
it is smaller. The Pintail usually is the most numerous duck upon the 
prairie sloughs. It is often the first duck to arrive at the break-up in 
spring, but is not a late lingerer in the autumn, the largest flocks are seen 
in late August and September. A very early nester, raising large broods. 
A rather shy bird, speedy on the wing and capable of taking care of itself. 
This duck claims second or third place in the hearts of the plainland 
hunters.” 
138. European Teal, la sarcelle d’europe. Nettion crecca. L, 14-5. Like the 
American Green-winged Teal, but without the white crescent in front of the wing and 
with a white scapulary line over the closed wing (Figure 137). 
Distribution. Europe and Asia to Iceland and Aleutian Islands. There are old and 
unsubstantiated records for Labrador and Nova Scotia and it may eventually be detected 
on the coast of British Columbia. 
Figure 137 
American Green-winged Teal. European Green-winged Teal. 
(Both male) 
139. Green- winged Teal, la sarcelle a ailes vertes, Nettion carolinense. L, 
14-50. Plate VIII A. 
Distinctions. The smallest of our ducks. Size will always distinguish it from all 
others except the Blue-winged and Cinnamon Teals, and the Ruffle-head. The brilliant 
green speculum will distinguish it from the latter and the absence of chalky blue on the 
fore-wing from the former two. 
Field Marks. Small size. In any plumage lack of chalky blue on wings distinguishes 
from the two other teal, and the lack of white on the wings from the equally small Buffle- 
head. 
Nesting. On the ground, near water. 
Distribution. Across the continent, most common in the west except perhaps the 
southern mid-prairie sections. Breeds north to the mouth of Mackenzie River. 
