240 BIRDS. 



birds are not unfrequently found cracked in deserted nests, 

 and it has been suggested that the departing hen does this 

 in despair ; but in the case mentioned, where the third egg 

 was unhurt, some other explanation is wanting. Eggs^ 7 

 to 10, 2^3 inches; greenish grey. 



Red-crested Pochard. — A rare straggler from the South, 

 which has occurred over a dozen times in England, and 

 once each in Scotland and Ireland. 



§ Ferrugmous DucJc. — An irregular spring and winter 

 visitor to the east coast. It is also known as the " White- 

 eyed " duck, from the white iris, and is further distin- 

 guished by a white spot on the chin. 



The Tufted Duck is a winter visitor in numbers, though 

 a great many remain to breed, especially in Notts, and in 



t Tufted other counties, also in parts of Scotland and 

 Duck. Ireland. This bird may be recognised by its 

 glossy black crest and pale blue bill. Like many ducks, 

 it is most active after sunset, and its food consists largely 

 of water-plants. As food, this duck is worthless. The 

 nest is placed among the sedges. Eggs, 8 to 12, 2^ 

 inches; greenish. 



The Scaup, a common winter visitor, is said to have 

 bred in Scotland. It lacks the crest of the last, but 

 otherwise resembles it much in colourins;, 

 save for the lighter hue of the upper parts. 

 In uttering the harsh note from which it takes its trivial 

 name, the bird is said to twist its head in a peculiar way, 

 but I do not remember having seen this. It is one of 

 the ducks least esteemed for the table. 



The Golden-eye has likewise been said to breed in Scot- 

 land, but authorities, Mr Saunders among them, regard the 



t Golden- statement with extreme suspicion. This hand- 



®y®' some duck may be recognised by the white 



patch beneath the eye, black back, white uiiderparts, and 



