91 
AMERICAN WIDGEON. 
AJVJIS JIMERICJINJI. 
[Plate LXIX.— Fig. 4, Male.'] 
Gmel. Syst. I, p. 526, No. 97. — Ind. Om. p. 861, No. 74. Ge>i. Syn. Ill, p. 520, No. 65. — 
Le Canard Jensen, PI. Enl. 955. — Burr. IX, p. 174. — Arct. Zool. No. 502.— Peale’s 
Museum, No. 2798 ; female, 2799. 
THIS is a handsomely marked and sprightly species, very 
common in winter along our whole coast, from Florida to Rhode 
Island ; but most abundant in Carolina, where it frequents the rice 
plantations. In Martinico great flocks take short flights from one 
rice field to another during the rainy season, and ai'e much com- 
plained of by the planters. The Widgeon is the constant atten- 
dant of the celebrated Canvass-back Duck, so abundant in various 
parts of the Chesapeake bay, by the aid of whose labor he has 
ingenuity enough to contrive to make a good subsistence. The 
Widgeon is extremely fond of the tender roots of that particular 
species of aquatic plant on which the Canvass-back feeds, and for 
which that Duck is in the constant habit of diving. The Wid- 
geon, who never dives, watches the moment of the Canvass-back’s 
rising, and before he is aware, snatches the delicious morsel from 
his mouth, and makes off. On this account the Canvass-backs and 
Widgeons, or, as they are called round the bay. Bald-pates, live in 
a state of perpetual contention. The only chance the latter have 
is to retreat, and make their approaches at convenient opportuni- 
ties. They are said to be in great plenty at St. Domingo and Cay- 
enne, where they are called Vingeon, or Gingeon. Are said some- 
times to perch on trees. Feed in company, and have a sentinel on 
the watch, like some other birds. They feed little during the day ; 
but in the evenings come out from their hiding places, and are then 
