Nest.—On the ground in marshes or sloughs, the hollow being lined with grasses and feathers from the breast of the female; 6 to 10 eggs (2.40 × 1.70).
Range.—Breeds in the interior from Minnesota and Dakota northward; winters from Maryland and British Columbia southward. Rare in New England.
AMERICAN SCAUP DUCK
148. Marila marila. 18 in.
Head black, glossed with greenish; speculum white; bill dull bluish; eye yellow. Female resembles that of the [Redhead], but has a white speculum. These ducks are perhaps better known as Blue-bills, than as Scaup Ducks. They are one of the most abundant migrants on the Atlantic coast, and are one of the most active of the family, diving at the flash of a gun.
Notes.—A peculiar grunting quack.
Nest.—Of grass and feathers on the ground in marshes.
Range.—Breeds from Minnesota and Dakota northward. Winters south of New England.