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THE S C A U P D U C K.
FULIGULA MARILA, STEPH.
PLATE CCXXIX. MALE AND FEMALE.
THE opinion, derived from WILSON'S account of the Scaup Duck,
that it is met with only along our sea coasts, in bays, or in the mouths of
rivers, as far as the tide extends, is incorrect. Had WILSON resided in
the Western Country, or seen our large lakes and broad rivers during
late autumn, winter, or early spring, he would have had ample opportunities
of observing thousands of this species, on the Ohio, the Missouri,
and the Mississippi, from Pittsburg to New Orleans. I have shot a good
number of Scaup Ducks on all these rivers, where I have observed them
to arrive early in October, and whence they depart between the 1st of
March and the middle of April. I have not, however, seen any in small
creeks, lagoons, or ponds. When they arrive on the western waters, they
are seen in flocks of from fifteen to twenty individuals; but in a few
weeks these flocks are joined by others, for which reason the species is
named in Kentucky the " Flocking Fowl.'1 They are, however, seldom
seen close together while on the water, and they rarely associate with other
birds.
The Scaup Duck seems to float less lightly than it really does, its
body being comparatively flat. It moves fast, frequently sipping the
water, as if to ascertain whether its favourite food be in it. Then turning
its head and glancing on either side to assure itself of security, down
it dives with all the agility of a Merganser, and remains a considerable
time below. On emerging, it shakes its head, raises the hind part of its
body, opens its short and rather curved wings, after a few flaps replaces
them, and again dives in search of food. Should any person appear when
it emerges, it swims off to a considerable distance, watches every movement
of the intruder, and finally either returns to its former place, or flies
away.
These birds are fond of large .eddies below projecting points of land,
but frequently dive in search of food at a considerable distance from
them. When in eddies they may be approached and shot with less difficulty
than when in any other situation. If wounded only, they are not
SCAUP DUCK. 227
easily secured; in fact, you need not go after them, for by diving, fluttering
along the surface, and cutting backward and forward, they generally
elude pursuit. Between Louisville and Shippingport, on the Kentucky
side of the Ohio, the shores are from ten to fifteen feet high, and rather
abrupt when the waters are at their ordinary level. The Scaup Ducks
are fond of diving for food along this place, and there, by coming directly
upon them unseen, till you are almost over them, you may have the very
best opportunities of procuring them. They are not worth shooting,
however, unless for sport or examination, for their flesh is generally tough
and rather fishy in flavour. Indeed I know none, excepting what is called
an Epicure, who could relish a Scaup Duck.
They appear to experience some difficulty in getting on wing, and
assist themselves on all occasions, either by meeting the current or fronting
the wind, while they also use their broad feet as helps. When danger
is near, they frequently, however, prefer diving, which they find as
effectual a means of security as flying. As they usually feed at some
distance from each other, it is amusing to see them go off, as they emerge
from the water in succession, and to watch them when they collect again,
and when, after flying for a long time in circles, now high then low over the
water, they all realight. These habits, and the toughness of their sinewy
bodies, render it rather difficult to shoot them. Although flat-billed, they
dive to a considerable depth, and when they have reached the bottom, no
doubt furrow the mud, in the manner of the Shoveller (Anas clypeata),
although the latter performs this action while floating on the surface, with
its head and neck alone submersed, as it swims over the shallows.
The food of the Scaup Duck I have found to consist of small fry,
crayfishes, and a mixture of such grasses as here and there grow along
the beds of our rivers. I never found any portions of testaceous mollusca
in the gizzards of those obtained on our western waters, although
even there they might meet with abundance of these animals.
When these birds are travelling, their flight is steady, rather laborious,
but greatly protracted. The whistling of their wings is heard at a
considerable distance when they are passing over head. At this time
they usually move in a broad front, sometimes in a continuous line.
When disturbed, they fly straight forward for a while, with less velocity
than when travelling, and, if within proper distance, are easily shot. At
times their notes are shrill, but at others hoarse and guttural. They are
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