The Common Teai, 185 



THE COMMON TEAL (BOSGHAS GREGCA). 



THIS small species is one of our most beautiful 

 ducks, the male in adult plumage exhibiting a 

 richness and variation which can scarcely be 

 exceeded. It is not nearly so shy a bird as many of our 

 wild fowl, and with ordinary care may always be ap- 

 proached ; when disturbed, it flies in circles around, 

 wheeling somewhat like plovers ; and if taken at the 

 proper time, several may often be procured at a shot. 



The nest is found generally at a distance from the water, 

 placed dry, often among brush or young plantations, 

 formed upon the ground, upon the same plan as that of 

 the mallard. 



In Scotland it is not generally regarded as migratory, 

 but in England it is essentially a winter visitor, making 

 its appearance by the end of September, the numbers 

 increasing during winter by additional arrivals from the 

 north of Europe ; at the same time, several instances of 

 its breeding are given. It also breeds in captivity, for 

 instance, in the Zoological Gardens. 



The similar bird found in America was at one time con- 

 sidered identical. The distinctions consist principally in 

 the white crescent-shaped band, which crosses the sides 

 of the breast nearly in a line with the bend of the wing; 

 and in the want of the white scapulars which form so 

 conspicuous a line down each side of the back of the 

 European birds. The distribution of the colours on the 

 head are also different. 



