. . ra-tophyHum), water shield (Brasenia) and widgeon grass (Ruppia).A great many vegetable substances of less importance wereincluded in the Mallards diet, of w^hich 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; hen
. . ra-tophyHum), water shield (Brasenia) and widgeon grass (Ruppia).A great many vegetable substances of less importance wereincluded in the Mallards diet, of w^hich 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; Sprinj? Black Duck; Black Length. — 22 to inches. Adult. — Top of head blackish; sides of head, neck and throat light grayishbuff, 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 distinctly spotted throats. Field Marks. — Large size, dusky color and silvery white lining under thewings, which shows in flight. May be distinguished from the femaleor young of the Mallard by the absence of white wing-bars. Notes. — A quack resembling that of the Mallard (Reed). This is the callof
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Keywords: ., bookcentury1900, bookdecade191, bookyear1912, duck, female, mallard
