| BUTTER-BALL (Charitonetta albeola) |
THE BUTTER-BALL
(Charitonetta albeola)
The butter-ball, or buffle-head, is another common duck all over the country. But where we have so many larger and better ducks they are little sought for, and are generally considered poor shooting. Yet I recall one occasion when with a friend I was shooting on a couple of foothill ponds where many of these little ducks had congregated, they furnished us with fine sport. The larger ducks were soon scared away, but the little butter-balls would not leave. One of us was stationed at each pond and we soon had them all in the air.
Color—Male—Head, greenish purple, with a strong metallic luster; white patch running from the eye to the back of the head; feathers of the head long, forming a crest; back, black; under parts white and a broad white patch on the wing.
Female—The female is a very modestly colored bird to have so gaudy a mate. Head and upper parts, a dark, dead brown; under parts, white; speculum, white; a small, elongated white spot on the side of the head.
Nest and Eggs—The nest is usually built on some elevation such as a stump or log; some times in a tree. The eggs, numbering eight to ten, are of a pale buff color.
Measurements—Total length, 11 to 12 1/2 inches; wing, about 6, and bill, 1 inch.