. . it is possible for any one to distinguish with certainty thefemales and young of americana in all cases from those ofislandica. The differences between the males may be seenat a glance; but such authorities as Brewster and Ridgwayhave both been somewhat puzzled in determining typical shapes of the bill in each species are illustratedin Eatons Birds of New York, but these vary, and not eventhe measurements of the wing can be depended upon. Anyone who is in doubt regarding the identity of a specimenshould consult an exc
. . it is possible for any one to distinguish with certainty thefemales and young of americana in all cases from those ofislandica. The differences between the males may be seenat a glance; but such authorities as Brewster and Ridgwayhave both been somewhat puzzled in determining typical shapes of the bill in each species are illustratedin Eatons Birds of New York, but these vary, and not eventhe measurements of the wing can be depended upon. Anyone who is in doubt regarding the identity of a specimenshould consult an excellent article on Barrows Golden-eye inMassachusetts by Brewster in the Auk,^ and, if still undecided,should refer the matter of identification to some expert whohas access to a large series of skins of both species. 1 Brewster, William: Barrows Golden-eye in Massachusetts, Auk, 1909, pp. 153-164. BIRDS HUNTED FOR FOOD OR SPORT. 135 BUFFLE-HEAD {Charitonetta albcola). Common or local names: Dipper Duck; Dapper; Dopper; Robin Dipper; ButterBall; Bumblebee Female. Male. Length. — to 15 inches. Adult Male. — A snow-white patch from back of and below eye over topand back of head to other eye; rest of head and a Httle of neck appar-ently black, crested, and puffed out at sides (at close range showingglossy purple, violet and green); nearly all of neck, flanks and underparts pure white, turning to dusky white on belly, vent and tail coverts;back black; wings largely black, but most of fore wing and shoulderswhite; tail and upper coverts dark grayish; iris brown; bill dark gray;feet flesh color. Adult Female and Young. — Head, neck and upper parts sooty brown; headand wings darkest; usually a patch back of and below eye whitish;wings brown, showing some white when spread; under parts (exceptthroat and upper foreneck) white; bill bluish graj^ tinged with lavender. Field Marks. — Size of Teal or smaller. Only the Hooded Merganser hasa somewhat similar dark head with
Size: 2143px × 1166px
Photo credit: © Reading Room 2020 / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: ., bookauthorjobherbe, bookcentury1900, bookdecade1910, bookyear1912
