198 
ANAS AMERICANA. 
262 . ANAS AMERICANA , GMELIN AND WILSON. 
AMERICAN WIDGEON. 
WILSON, PLATE LXIX. FIG. IV. 
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 are much com- 
plained of by the planters. The widgeon is the constant 
attendant of the celebrated canvass-back duck, so 
abundant in various parts of the Chesapeake Bay, by 
the aid of whose labour 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 widgeon, who never dives, watches the 
moment of the canvass-back’s rising, and, before he has 
his eyes well opened, 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 opportunities. They 
are said to be in great plenty at St Domingo and 
Cayenne, where they are called vingeon, or gingeon. 
are said sometimes 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 easily 
traced by their particular whistle, or whew whew. This 
soft note, or whistle, is frequently imitated with success, 
to entice them within gunshot. They are not known 
to breed in any part of the United States. Are common 
in the winter months along the bays of Egg Harbour 
and Cape May, and also those of the Delaware. They 
leave these places in April, and appear upon the coasts 
