Western Bird Guide: Birds of the Rockies and West to the Pacific

by Charles K. Reed

BALDPATE—AMERICAN WIDGEON.

137. Mareca Americana. 19 inches.

These are common and well-known birds throughout North America, where they are called by a great variety of names, most of which refer to the bald appearance of the top of the head, owing to the white feathers. They can usually be identified at a distance by the absence of any dark markings, and when in flight by the whiteness of the under parts.

Nest.—Made of grass and weeds neatly lined with feathers, on the ground or in marshes. 6 to 12 cream colored eggs are laid (2.15 × 1.20).