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Field
Marks: A small brown duck of marshes and ponds throughout most of
central North America. Usually travels in fairly small, tight groups. These were
seen and photographed at Brazos Bend State Park, Texas. Adult males have a gray
head with white crescent from above their eye to just below their chin. They are
mottled brownish overall, and have a small white patch on their flanks. Females
mottled brown overall and have a dark line through eye and rather slender bill
may be apparent at close range.
Voice: The call of the male is a
high-pitched peeping. The female gives a soft quack.
Where found: Breeds from Alaska,
Manitoba, central Quebec, and Newfoundland south to northern California, New
Mexico, Texas, Arkansas, Ohio Valley, and Maryland. Winters mainly along coast
from Northern California and Virginia Southward.
Texas: Migrant throughout. Winters
(Aug-May) along coast and inland to Edwards Plateau and n. Texas. Breeds rarely
and locally in n. half of state. Irregular south to Galveston, Eagle Lake,
Corpus Christi, Kingsville.
Habitat: Ponds, Marshes.
Nest: A down-lined hollow among grass near water. Eggs (6-12) whitish, buff.