104 
FRANK FORESTER’S FIELD SPORTS. 
than which I have only to say, that it is a beautiful and very 
delicate little bird : 
“ This beautifully variegated little Duck receives its name 
from the disproportionate size of its head to the body. From 
its constant diving, it is called by our gunners * Dipper/ I will 
here remark, that the true American Dipper —Cinclus Ameri- 
canus —has only been found at the Columbia River. The marked 
difference in the plumage of the male and female Buffel-headed 
or ‘ Spirit Duck/ as it is sometimes called, induces many to sup¬ 
pose that they are distinct species. I have met with it in various 
parts of the United States; and indeed, during the spring and 
autumn, it is dispersed throughout the Union, visiting the inte¬ 
rior as well as the seacoast; it dives so dexterously, that when 
sitting on the water, it is very difficult to kill it, even with per¬ 
cussion caps. It is an excellent swimmer, and flies swiftly ; its 
food consists of small fish; it is generally in fine condition, but 
not considered a superior bird for the table. In New-Jersey, 
it is called ‘ Butter Box/ or ‘ Butter Ball.’ Its note is a single 
quack. It is generally met with in pairs, until the appearance 
of spring, when it is seen in small flocks; it arrives with us in 
October, remaining until the latter part of April, when it leaves 
for its summer residence at the North, where it breeds.” 
THE HARLEQUIN DUCK. 
Fuligula Histrionica .— Vulgo , the Lord and Lady Duck. 
A very beautiful, but extremely rare species. According to 
Mr. Audubon, it is very rarely found southward of Boston Bay. 
Mr. Giraud states that the young only are now found in the inlets 
of Long Island, although some years since it is said to have 
abounded there. It breeds along the eastern ccasts of the 
United States, up to Labrador. An instance is mentioned by 
Dr. Richardson, of one killed on the eastern declivity of the 
Rocky Mountains; it is probable, therefore, that to the north¬ 
ward it extends its migrations very far inland. 
