BRITISH BIRDS. II7 



greater numbers during severe winters, but many couples 

 remain in suitable localities to breed. 



. The food is similar to that indicated for the other ducks 

 already mentioned. The nest is usually made in April of 

 reeds and grass among rushes and sedges. The eggs are 

 eleven or twelve in number ; they are pale green in colour, 

 and are usually covered with down by the mother. 



The wild duck is monogamous in a state of nature, but 

 becomes polygamous in captivity, to which it is easily 

 reconciled, some even voluntarily taking up their abode on 

 ornamental waters, which tliey never afterwards quit. 

 Aged females sometimes assume the male plumage. 



Pintail. — Bill leaden blue ; head and neck brown ; breast 

 white ; back and sides whitish giey, with numerous 

 undulating dark grey lines ; the central featliers of the 

 tail are twice as long as the others, and of a steely 

 blue colour, the rest are white ; the abdomen is white, 

 with a tinge of buff; and the under tail coverts blue; the 

 wing coverts are brown, edged with buff, then follows a 

 steel blue broad band and a narrow white one ; the flights 

 are bluish black ; the long pointed saddle feathers are dark 

 blue, with white edges. 



It is of rare occurrence in Britain, and is migratory in 

 its habits, changing its quarters in October and March. 



The food consists of aquatic plants and insects, worms, 

 snails, etc., and grain. 



It is readily domesticated, and is esteemed to furnish an 

 excellent dish for the table. 



WiGEON. — Head pale buff; face and upper part of neck 

 brown, with dark spots ; back and sides grey, with wavy 

 black lines ; rump white ; tail and under tail coverts very 

 dark blue ; breast reddish buff, wdth grey edging to 

 feathers ; under parts white ; flights grey ; secondaries 

 bright steel blue ; wing coverts" white ; innermost second- 



