2 6o The Scottish Naturalist. 



During the last ten years passing flocks of from five to eight 

 have been observed at intervals. It is found on the American 

 continent as far south as Carolina. 



12. Pintail {Dafila acuta, L.) — The Pintail, both in shape 

 and plumage, is one of our most beautiful ducks. With us it is 

 very rare. One — a young male — was shot on the Tay, at Tay- 

 mount, a few years ago, this being the only one I have heard of 

 being got in the district. The male Pintail assumes the female 

 plumage in summer, as is the case with the Mallard and a few 

 other ducks. 



The female is of the same slender and elegant make as the 

 male, but without the two long middle tail-feathers. In colour 

 it resembles the common wild duck, but can be easily distin- 

 guished by its shape, and by the longer tail, which is slightly 

 pointed. 



The Pintail frequents the reedy borders of lakes, rivers, and 

 ponds, and is seldom seen on the sea-coast. 



13. Shoveller {Spatula clypeata, L.) — In spring last year a 

 fine male Shoveller was shot at Ballathie, and brought to me to 

 stuft". It is very rare with us. This is the only one, so far as I 

 know, that has been got in the district. There was a female 

 along with the male when it was shot ; and Mr Sime (on whose 

 farm it was got) informs me that, in a short time after, it returned 

 to the same place accompanied by another male. I am inclined 

 to think, however, that the same female would be very unlikely 

 to return so soon to the spot where its mate was shot, and that 

 very likely it was a different pair that returned. Had they been 

 left undisturbed, they would very likely have bred with us. 



14. Pochard {Fuligula ferina, L.) — The Pochard is not so 

 scarce with us as the Shoveller, but still is far from common. 

 I have only heard of three being got in the neighbourhood of 

 Stanley. 



This is a winter visitant to us, arriving with the first cold or 

 stormy weather, and remaining till spring. They frequent fresh- 

 water marshes and rivers, and also the coast. It is a v(^ry active 

 bird in the water, and dives rapidly, remaining for a long tinie 

 under the surface. It is a round plump bird, and is esteemed 

 for the table. The eye is of a peculiar blood-red colour, which 

 gives the bird a rather bold expression. It is very easily 

 tamed. 



The female resembles the male, but is of a less decided 

 colour and a more dingy hue. 



