CALIFORNIA BROWN PELICAN. 127. Pelecanus californicus. 55 inches.
Upper parts gray; lower brownish streaked with white; back of neck rich velvety brown; head and throat white.
Nest.—On the ground or in small trees, composed of sticks and weeds. Three or four chalky white eggs (3.10 × 1.95).
FRIGATE BIRD. 128. Fregata aquila. 40 inches.
In comparison with their weight, these birds have the largest expanse of wing of any known bird. Weighing only about four pounds they have an extent of from seven to eight feet. The length of the bird is about 40 inches, of which the tail comprises about 18, more than half of this being forked. They can walk only with difficulty and are very poor swimmers, owing to their small feet and long tail, but they are complete masters of the air and delight to soar at great heights. Their food of small fish is secured by plunging, or preying upon other sea birds.
Nest.—A frail platform of sticks in the tops of bushes or low trees. A single white egg (2.80 × 1.90).
AMERICAN MERGANSER. ORDER ANSERES. 129. Mergus americanus. 25 inches.
These birds have the bill long, not flattened, but edged with sharp teeth to grasp the fish, upon which they live to a great extent.
Nest.—In holes of trees, cavities among the rocks, or on the ground; 6 to 9 creamy buff eggs are laid (2.70 × 1.75).
RED-BREASTED MERGANSER. 130. Mergus serrator. 22 inches.
This species is more abundant than the preceding, and is found commonly on our large ponds, lakes and rivers, more than on the coast. The male has the head, neck, and crest iridescent greenish black, breast brownish with black spots. The female has the head, neck and crown a deep chestnut color and the upper parts and tail a gray in place of the black found on the males.
Nest.—They lay from seven to ten eggs of a creamy buff color, making their nest of moss and grasses, placed under or in tufts of grass or in crevices of rocks; usually lining the nest with feathers (2.50 × 1.70).
Range.—Whole of North America, breeding from central United States to British America.
HOODED MERGANSER. 131. Lophodytes cucullatus. 17 inches.
Bill short, compared with the preceding. The large crest with which both sexes are adorned will easily distinguish this from the others. The male having the crest black with a large white patch, and that of the female plain brown.