THE WOOD DUCK. 
243 
est us in that model of beauty of its kind, the Com- 
mon Summer or Wood Duck. This is one of the few 
species which remain within the limits of the States 
throughout the year, much the larger proportion re- 
tiring to the “ far north ” to breed. The Summer 
Duck is certainly one of the most elegant of its tribe ; 
its plumage being richly glossed with green and gold, 
and purple and black, in some places mottled with 
white, or finely barred with black and fawn. The 
head presents a fine appearance, surmounted by a 
long crest of green, and the cheeks beautifully marked 
with black and white. It appears to be widely spread 
over the whole extent of the country, from Louisiana 
to Maine, and westward some distance up the Mis- 
souri river. Within these limits it may almost be 
said to be a constant resident. It generally builds 
its nest in a hollow tree, frequently in the deserted 
hole of a large Woodpecker, giving the preference to 
such trees as are near the water, or which overhang 
pools or marshes. The number of eggs which the 
female deposits varies much ; Audubon says from six 
to fifteen ; Wilson speaks of a nest containing thir- 
teen. It is a singular fact, according to the first- 
named author, that upon the female having completed 
her number of eggs, she is at once deserted by the 
male, who, joining with a few others, roams about 
until the young are able to fly, when the old and 
young unite in one flock, and remain together until 
another season comes round. 
The Green and the Blue-winged Teal are also two 
handsome Ducks, but are only known to us as tran- 
