WOOD DUCK. 
144. Aix sponsa. 19 inches. 
This bird, without doubt, is by far the most beautiful of 
...... 0 f the duck family. Both the male and female ha\ e a 
long crest; that of the male of the most beautiful shades of 
blue and iridescent green colors, with stripes ot white, the 
Sroat and under parts also white, breast chestnut with white 
arrow head marking, sides buff with black and white line 
111 Nest— In the hollow of a tree, usually near the water. The 
birds are said to carry the young from the nest to the wate 
in their bills. 6 to 10 eggs, buffy m color (A.^oxl.bU). 
Canada to 
their oiiis. o io j ^ 
Range. —Temperate North America, breeding from 
the Gulf of Mexico. 
REDHEAD. 
146. M aril a americana. 19 inches. 
This bird, the preceding and the one following aie 
as the best table birds of the duck family. u ■ 
Nest. —Placed on the ground m marshes. Eggs 6 to 14 
number buffy white in color (2.40xl./0). 
Range. _North America, breeding from Minnesota northward. 
considered 
48 
