BRITISH BIRDS. II5 



the neck are rich chestnut brown, which is also the colour of 

 the throat and neck in front ; breast whitish yellow, with 

 black spots. The wing coverts are brown ; the outermost 

 three have white edges, and so have the three last second- 

 aries ; the others are bright green. The wings are brown- 

 ish grey, and the rest of the body grey, with wavy black 

 lines. The bill and the legs and feet are greenish grey. 

 The female is of the ordinary duck colour, and, except 

 during the breeding season, the male resembles her. 

 Length, 1 foot 2 or 3 inches ; female rather less. 



It is a migratory species, arriving in Britain in Sep- 

 tember, and departing in March; but towards the north 

 many are resident all the year through. 



The food consists of grain, aquatic plants, and insects: 

 but the greater portion of the diet is collected in or close 

 to water. 



The nest is usually placed among rushes by the water- 

 side, but occasionally among rocks and loose stones on or 

 near the seashore. The eggs ai-e eleven or twelve in 

 number, and are cream or very light buff colour. 



They are readily domesticated, and form a handsome 

 addition to the avifauna of ornamental waters. They are 

 reputed to be excellent eating. 



Garganey. — This very elegant species is dark brown 

 above, and lighter on the under surface. The head and 

 neck are almost black, and there is a whitish grey line ovei 

 the eye, extending down on either side to the middle of the 

 neck, where it terminates in a point. The back, including 

 the flight, feathers, and the tail, are very dark brown, but 

 each feather has a lighter border. The face and throat are 

 very dark brown, but slightlj'' mottled with a lighter shade 

 of the same colour ; the breast is lighter, with a yellowish 

 brown border to each feather ; the belly is light grey, with 

 irregular grey black markings, and the vent and under tail 



