36 EGGS OF BEITISH BIBDS. 



THE EGYPTIAN GOOSE. 

 (Anser cegyptiacus.)* 



Plate 12, Fig. 1. 



This African species is sometimes shot wild, but there is no 

 evidence that the examples in question have really migrated to 

 our shores, and it is probable that, in every case, the specimens 

 thus secured have escaped from confinement. The habitat of the 

 species, according to Count Salvadori, is Africa generally to 

 Palestine. 



The eggs are dull white, and measure in length from 3 "05 to 

 2'8 inches, and in breadth from 2 - 05 to 195 inch. 



THE COMMON SHELDKAKE. 



{Tadorna cornuta.)] 

 Plate 16, Fig. 6. 



The Sheldrake or Sheld-duck, is variously known as the 

 Burrow-duck, Shield-drake, Sheld-drake, Bargander and Perennet 

 in different parts of the United Kingdom. It is a resident in 

 Great Britain, and is found in Europe and Northern Asia, from 

 the Atlantic to the Pacific, breeding throughout the greater part 

 of its range, and wandering south in winter. 



So far as is known, the Sheldrake never breeds in the open, but 

 always in a burrow, generally in that of a rabbit, though some- 

 times the birds excavate a burrow for themselves. 



The eggs are laid from the end of April to the beginning of 

 June. Seven to twelve is the ordinary number, but occasionally 

 as many as sixteen are laid. They are creamy-white in colour, 

 somewhat smooth in texture, and have very little gloss. They 

 vary in length from 2 '75 to 2" 5 inches, and in breadth from 2"0 to 

 1*9 inch. 



THE BUDDY SHELDBAKE. 



{Tadorna rutila.) \ 

 Plate 16, Fig. 5. 



The present species is generally regarded as a rare visitor to 

 Great Britain, but in the summer of 1892 a considerable immi- 



* Chenalopex agvptiaca — Saunders, Manual, p. 400; Sharpe, Handb., II. , p, 257. 



f Tadorna tadorna — Sharpe, Handb., II., p. 253. 



+ Tadorna casarca — Saunders, Manual, p. 409. Casarca casarca — Sharpe, 



Handb., II., p. 263. 



