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.
CANVAS-BACK. 147. Marila valisineria. 21 inches.
Differs from the Redhead in the shape of its black bill, its blackish forehead, very light colored back and red eyes, the Redhead having yellow eyes. Like the last species, these birds are excellent swimmers and divers, and secure their food from deeper water than many of the ducks. Their food consists of various fresh water plants and small fish; shell fish and frogs. These usually command the highest market price, and are much sought after by gunners.
Nest.—On the ground in marshes or sloughs, lined with grass and feathers. 6 to 10 eggs of a pale olive (2.40 × 1.70).
Range.—North America; breeding from central British Columbia south to Oregon and Minnesota.
SCAUP DUCK OR BLUE-BILL. 148. Marila marila. 18 inches.
This and the following are widely known as Blue-bills owing to the slaty blue color of that member. Head, neck and breast are black; speculum and under parts white, and eyes yellow.
Nest.—In marshes about many of the ponds in the interior of British Columbia. 6 to 10 eggs pale greenish gray (2.50 × 1.70).
LESSER SCAUP DUCK. 149. Marila affinis. 17 inches.
Slightly smaller than the last, and with the head of the male glossed purple instead of green on the black. They are one of the most abundant migrants, and are one of the most active of the family, diving at the flash of a gun. The immense flocks generally keep out in the open waters of the lakes or rivers; where they feed by diving.
Nest.—Is made of marsh grasses and neatly lined with feathers from the breast of the female. 6 to 9 eggs of a pale gray color (2.25 × 1.55).
RING-NECKED DUCK. 150. Marila collaris. 17 inches.
In appearance and general habits this duck is much the same as the two preceding. Male with head, neck and breast black with purple shades, having a ring of chestnut about the neck, which at a little distance is not noticeable. Bill blackish, with a bluish band near the end; eye yellow.
Nest.—Same in every way as above, and general distribution the same, breeding from Oregon and Minnesota northward.