The Pochard 167 



THE POCHARD (FULIGULA FRINA) 



THIS is a hardy northern bird of somewhat wide 

 geographical range, with considerable flight 

 power. It is also a skilful diver, and does not 

 confine itself particularly to any one kind of diet 

 (both vegetable and mollusca). 



It is known, in the south of Europe as a winter visitant. 

 Red-headed Pochards are as numerous in Norfolk as any 

 other kind of duck which falls to the fowler's gun. 

 Great numbers may be seen flying over the fenny dis- 

 tricts in the evenings, whilst in the day time they are 

 mostly skimming over the seas and estuaries. As these 

 birds are esteemed as an article of diet there is a ready 

 sale, and they thus contribute in no small measure to the 

 support of the seaside population, when the customary 

 avocations of fishing, etc., cannot be followed. These 

 men may be seen prowling around the shore armed with 

 guns of various calibre, for the chance of securing in a 

 few of these ducks the substitute for a day's fishing. 



The nomenclature in different districts varies, for 

 instance the red-head, dun-birds, etc., The red-headed; 

 however, must not be confused with the red-crested. 



Generic marks — Head and neck light-chestnut ; breast; 

 upper parts of the back, and rump, black ; back, scapu- 

 lars, flanks and abdomen greyish-white, marked with 

 wavy lines ; bill black with a lead-coloured band ; feet 

 lead colour ; membranes black. Female smaller ; head; 

 neck, and breast, reddish-brown. 



