. A history of the game birds, wild-fowl and shore birds of Massachusetts and adjacent states : including those used for food which have disappeared since the settlement of the country, and those which are now hunted for food or sport, with observations on their former abundance and recent decrease in numbers; also the means for conserving those still in existence . Cera-tophyHum), water shield (Brasenia) and widgeon grass (Ruppia).A great many vegetable substances of less importance wereincluded in the Mallards diet, of which the following are worthyof note: wild celery, algae, roots of arrow
. A history of the game birds, wild-fowl and shore birds of Massachusetts and adjacent states : including those used for food which have disappeared since the settlement of the country, and those which are now hunted for food or sport, with observations on their former abundance and recent decrease in numbers; also the means for conserving those still in existence . Cera-tophyHum), water shield (Brasenia) and widgeon grass (Ruppia).A great many vegetable substances of less importance wereincluded in the Mallards diet, of which the following are worthyof note: wild celery, algae, roots of arrowhead (Sagittaria);fruits, such as grapes, dogwood, sour gum and bayberries; andthe seeds of such small aquatic plants as millweed {Myrio-phyllum), horned pondweed (Zannichellia) and mermaid-weed(Proserpinaca). The Mallard is proverbially fond of grain of all sizes, fromIndian corn to wheat or barley; hence the ease with whichit may be domesticated, or bred in a semi-wild state forsporting purposes. This adaptability to mans uses makes iteconomically the most valuable of all Ducks, and a study ofits favorite food plants and animals will materially assistthose who wish to propagate this bird on preserves. 76 GAME BIRDS, WILD-FOWL AND SHORE BIRDS. BLACK DUCK (Anas rubripes). Common or local names: Dusky Duck; Summer Black Duck; Spring Black Duck; Black Length. — 22 to 25 inches. Adult. — Top of head blackish; sides of head, neck and throat light grajashbuff, finely streaked with dusky (old males have the throat unspotted);a dusky line through eye; rest of plumage dusky brown (apparentlyblackish, except in strong light or close at hand); speculum iridescentpurple or greenish, edged with velvety black but no white; under sidesof wings light silvery; bill broad and fairly long, yellowish green orolive; iris brown; legs and feet of male orange red, with dusky webs;females and young have legs and feet darker; old drakes have yellowerbills, redder legs and feet, and more d
Size: 2107px × 1185px
Photo credit: © Reading Room 2020 / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: ., bookcentury1900, bookdecade1910, booksubjectbirds, bookyear1912
