Bill dusky, at the base yellowish. Feet pale yellowish-green, claws dusky. Upper parts lighter than in the adult, the feathers margined with pale yellowish-grey; no black band on the forehead, or on the neck, but a patch of dusky on the side of the neck and breast; the band from the bill to behind the eye greyish-brown.
This species exhibits a very intimate affinity to Charadrius Hiaticula of Europe, which is precisely similar in form, proportions, and colouring, but considerably larger, and having the feet orange-coloured, with the webs much less extended.
GOOSANDER.
Mergus merganser, Linn.
PLATE CCCXXXI. Male and Female.
This species may be said to be a constant resident with us, as many individuals breed in the interior of the States of New York, Massachusetts, and Maine. When I first resided in Kentucky, some bred there also, although at the present day none pass the summer in that country. In the latter part of autumn, in winter, and in early spring, they are found in all parts of the Union; in Texas I procured some in April 1837, and in the beginning of May saw a considerable flock in Galveston Bay. How much farther southward their migrations extend I know not, but from having observed them coming from that direction, I suspect that they advance pretty far into the interior of Mexico, from which some perhaps cross to the Arkansas River, on which I have also seen them. On the Mississippi, the Ohio, and their tributaries, Goosanders are found during the coldest weather; and when the larger streams are covered with ice, they betake themselves to such smaller creeks as have very rapid currents or cascades, about which they feed. But there are parts of our southern coast, where they are exceedingly rare, such as South Carolina, where my friend Dr Bachman has never seen one, and the Floridas, in which none occurred to me during my rambles there. Indeed one is surprised to find that among birds like this, which is so hardy as to remain in our North-eastern States during the severest part of the winter, some should extend their movements at the same season as far to the south-west as Texas; but facts like these are beyond our philosophy. In the lower parts of Louisiana, this species is called the “Bee-scie-de-mer,” probably because there it is found only on the large salt-water lakes, and about the mouths of the Mississippi, and to distinguish it from the Hooded Merganser, which there is more usually seen on fresh water. I have been assured by Professor MacCulloch of Pictou that it now and then breeds in Nova Scotia. Yet I found none in Labrador or Newfoundland, where the Red-breasted species was breeding in great numbers. Dr Richardson found it in abundance in the Fur Countries.
The Goosander is a vigorous and robust bird. It swims deeply, but with considerable speed, even against a strong current, running waters being generally preferred by it, even when rather shallow, provided their beds are of sand or pebbles, for it is rarely seen on muddy or stagnant waters, even during the breeding season, when it returns to the inland lakes. Like the Grebes it has the power of sinking backwards, and it dives expertly, remaining occasionally several minutes beneath the surface. It usually swims and dives against the current, and close by the shores, extricating itself from floating ice by passing under it. Its voracity is great, so that it consumes an extraordinary quantity of fish. I have found fishes in its stomach seven inches in length, and of smaller kinds so many as to weigh more than half a pound. Digestion takes place with great rapidity, insomuch that some which I have fed in captivity devoured more than two dozen of fishes about four inches in length, four times daily, and yet always seemed to be desirous of more. The alleged awkwardness of this bird when on shore is a fable, for I have seen individuals while courting in spring run with great celerity fifty or more yards at a time, keeping nearly in an erect position. On occasions of this kind I have observed on the sand-bars of the Mississippi flocks of seven or eight males chasing each other with great animosity. At other times, however, they are not fond of walking much, but when on shore are generally seen lying flat on the ground. At times the Mergansers rise almost at once on wing from the water, but at others they seem to find considerable difficulty, patting it with their feet for many yards. These differences seem to depend on various circumstances, such as their being suddenly surprised, or during violent winds. They generally, if not always, rise on wing against the breeze.
The flight of the Goosander is powerful, and as rapid and sustained as that of the Red-breasted and Hooded Mergansers. When fairly under way and at a good height, they advance in an almost direct course and proceed with surprising velocity, so that, when suddenly apprised of the vicinity of man, they at times find it difficult to check their speed so quickly as may be necessary for their safety. I well remember that on several occasions having watched one of these birds flying directly up a creek and towards me, I have taken aim at it and fired when it was at the proper distance, and yet such had been its velocity that it would advance, after being shot, many yards towards me. When rising from the water, whatever number may be in the flock, they all start together, paddle off with their feet and wings, stretching out their necks, and thus run as it were on the water to the distance of twenty or thirty yards with great velocity, extending in a front, or following each other in a line, according to the extent of the space before them. They then gradually ascend to the height of the trees, and move off to some considerable distance, but often return to the same place. They seem to ascertain the fertility of the water by sipping a little on their alighting, and then, having found appearances favourable, they open their bills, apparently to take a deep inspiration, and immediately dive. When they have procured a sufficiency of food, they betake themselves to some sand-bar, on which they repose until it is digested.
The Goosander rises to the surface with the fish in its bill, and, shifting it about until it is in a proper position, swallows it head foremost, then dives for more. So deeply does it swim, that on such occasions not more than a third of its body is seen on the surface; and there is very little chance of shooting it, for it dives on seeing the flash, or even on hearing the click of the lock. The only chance of procuring one at such times is when, on coming to the surface, it stretches itself up and beats its wings. If it is only wounded, it often exhibits great tenacity of life, and diving at once remains a long time in the water. On emerging, it is seen shaking its head violently, for the purpose of disgorging its food, and, perhaps, the blood that has flowed into its lungs; and, on effecting this, it again plunges headlong. At length, you see it come to the surface, with its beautifully tinged breast upwards; but if your object be to obtain game, you will have little satisfaction in procuring a Goosander or any of its genus, for they are all fishy, oily, tough, and fitted for the palate of none but experienced epicures. The food of the Goosander consists chiefly of fish, but also of bivalve shells, snails, leeches, aquatic lizards, crays, and frogs.
Now, good Reader, Spring has once more gladdened the face of Nature, pearly drops hang on every leaf, glistening in the bright sunshine, and thousands of gay insects flutter around. My light canoe is ready. Leap in, seat yourself snugly in the bow, and sit still while I paddle you to the green islands of this beautiful lake, where we shall probably find a Merganser or two, perhaps a female sitting on her eggs. As to the dog, we need him not; so lie thee down, Baron, until I return. I was always fond of “paddling my own canoe,” and I never met with a single accident so long as I managed it myself; but on more occasions than one I have been turned out as gently as one turns himself in bed, and having put the frail bark to rights, have assisted the awkward fellow who had caused the disaster, dived for his gun and my own, and conducted him to the camp to dry his garments. Therefore, be quiet, and fear nothing. See! what’s that? Nothing, friend, but the head of a musk-rat. But look there, how swiftly swims that beautiful Loon! Heed him not; have I not already told you all that I know about him? How smooth and silvery are the pure waters, how beautiful those tall trees! The dogwood is in full bloom, so are the maples, whose rich red blossoms cluster on the twigs. Here we are just entering the rushes of this little island. Get out, and wade to the shore with all possible gentleness; or allow me to do so; for to lighten our slight bark, one of us must get into the water. Softly we advance as I pull the canoe by the bow; but now, squat, for here are tracks of the Goosander. There now lies the female close before us. She thinks we have not seen her, for she crouches closer upon her eggs. Alarm her not, or she will soon depart. There she croaks, and scrambling off through the tall grass, flies off on rapid wings. Look at the nest! count the eggs if you choose, but allow me, if you please, to describe them.
The islands on which the Goosander is wont to breed are mostly small, as if selected for the purpose of allowing the sitting bird to get soon to the water in case of danger. The nest is very large, at times raised seven or eight inches on the top of a bed of all the dead weeds which the bird can gather in the neighbourhood. Properly speaking, the real nest, however, is not larger than that of the Dusky Duck, and is rather neatly formed externally of fibrous roots, and lined round the edges with the down of the bird. The interior is about seven and a half inches in diameter, and four inches in depth. There are seldom more than seven or eight eggs, which measure two inches and seven-eighths in length, by two inches in breadth, are of an elliptical form, being nearly equally rounded at both ends, smooth, and of a uniform dull cream-colour. The young are led to the water in a few hours after they are hatched, and are covered with fur-like hair, of a reddish-brown colour about the head and neck, the body lightish grey. They are excellent divers, and run on the surface with surprising velocity; but they are not able to fly for nearly two months, when, being fat, they are easily fatigued if closely pursued, and on such occasions will often betake themselves to the shore, lie down, and even allow you to lay hold of them. My friend Thomas Nuttall has given an interesting account of his chase of a brood of Goosanders.