180 Wiu> Birds and their Haunts 



THE COMMON WILD DUCK OR MALLARD 

 (BOSCHAS FERA). 



THIS common and useful species is abundantly dis- 

 tributed over all our British Islands, few localities 

 being without some parts suitable for their 

 habits, and many districts being peculiarly adapted for 

 them ; at the same time causes similar to those which have 

 operated on the frequency of many other species have 

 very materially diminished the numbers of the wild 

 duck, and among the most serious is the profuse system of 

 drainage which has taken place in many of the lower 

 lying counties of England, where decoys and the produce 

 of the fens furnished a regular and often handsome income. 



Upon the sea coast there is always a considerable 

 number to be seen during winter, and in severe weather, 

 but bearing no proportion to the large flocks of widgeon 

 and some of the true sea ducks. 



One peculiarity which will always distinguish it as a 

 species is the dark green curled feathers of the tail, show- 

 ing a development or variation carried out in other parts 

 or in other ways among the members of this or other very 

 nearly allied genera. 



The young males in their first dress resemble the 

 female. The males, after the season of incubation has 

 passed, lose the green head and distinguishing plumage 

 of the upper parts, and become of a more sombre tint. 



A sight that is very rarely met with is the happy con- 

 tentment exhibited by an animal and bird side by side in 

 one nest. 



A gentleman who, a year or two ago, had a fancy for 

 keeping homing pigeons, all at once missed a pair from 

 his loft, and after diligent search the culprits were found 

 at the rear of the dwelling-house, the male cooing its 

 love-song, whilst the female covered a couple of eggs, and 

 in close proximity — in fact, only an in chor two distant — 

 was the domestic cat, fondling, in a curled-up position, 

 her progeny of five kittens Perfect harmony prevailed, 



