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

by Charles K. Reed

WOOD DUCK.

144. Aix sponsa. 19 inches.

This bird, without doubt, is by far the most beautiful of any of the duck family. Both the male and female have a long crest; that of the male of the most beautiful shades of blue and iridescent green colors, with stripes of white, the throat and under parts also white, breast chestnut with white arrow head marking, sides buff with black and white line markings.

Nest.—In the hollow of a tree, usually near the water. The birds are said to carry the young from the nest to the water in their bills. 6 to 10 eggs, buffy in color (2.25 × 1.60).

Range.—Temperate North America, breeding from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico.

REDHEAD.

146. Marila americana. 19 inches.

This bird, the preceding and the one following are considered as the best table birds of the duck family.

Nest.—Placed on the ground in marshes. Eggs 6 to 14 in number, buffy white in color (2.40 × 1.70).

Range.—North America, breeding from Minnesota northward.