GADWALL. 
135. Chaulelasmiis streperus. 20 inches. 
Male with chestnut wing coverts and white speculum; the 
female is similar but the back and wings are brownish-gray. 
As is usual with many of the ducks these do most of their 
feeding early in the morning or after dusk, and spend the 
greater part of the day in sleeping. They are one of the most 
noisy and active of the ducks. 
Nest.—They nest on the ground among the reeds of marshes 
or in the long grass of bordering fields. They lay from 7 to 
12 eggs of a creamy buff color (2.10x1.60). 
Range.—Includes the whole of North America, breeds from 
British Columbia to southern California. 
MALLARD. 
132. Anas platyrhynclios. 23 inches. 
These are regarded as one of the best table birds. They 
feed on mollusks and marine insects which they generally 
reach by tipping in shallow water. 
Nest.—In close proximity to ponds or lakes, placing their 
nests in the tall grasses of which it is made and lined with 
feathers. Breed from Alaska to southern California (2.25 x 
1.25). 
44 
