This South American Duck is common in the Rio Grande Valley, Texas, and marshes of central California. They are careless housekeepers, frequently laying eggs in Coots' or other ducks' nests. Their long legs enable them to perch easily and they are equally at home in marshes or among trees. Their Greek name means Tree Swan but I am inclined to agree with Coues that they belong among the Anatinae.
NEST of grass, twigs and leaves; located in tree hollow or on ground.
EGGS — 10 to 16: dull white.
Southwestern United States. California to Louisiana.
A tree up to 50 feet high, distributed sparingly on larger southern Florida Keys.