92 CATALOGUE OF BIRDS. 



CASE 18. 



THE MALLARD. 

 Order, Anseres. Family, AnatidcB. 



The Mallard, or the Wild- Duck, is probably the 

 most plentiful of all our fresh water ducks, being 

 resident with us in suitable localities, and also 

 supplemented by large flocks which visit us from the 

 Continent during the winter months. 



It is an early breeder, that is to say, incubation 

 takes place towards the end of March or the begin- 

 ning of April. " The nest, made of grass and 

 lined with down, is usually on the ground near fresh 

 water, though not unfrequently at a distance from 

 it ; but grain-fields, hedgerows, stacks of faggots, 

 forks or hollows of trees, and even the deserted 

 nests of other birds are often resorted to. The 

 eggs, 8 to 1 2 in number, are pale greyish-green, or 

 greenish-buff.'' (H.S.) 



In the breedingr-season the drake casts all his 

 quills and is unable for a time to fly. At such times 

 he groes into concealment, knowino^ the dangler he is 

 in. When he assumes his feathers again he puts on 

 the dress of the female, but by the middle of October 

 he has resumed his proper plumage. 



Although I have many times come across the male 

 of this species, I don't think I have ever met with 

 him when he was actually incapable of flight, but to 

 meet with him in the dress of the female was not at 

 all unusual. From ornitholopfical books I cannot find 

 it anywhere recorded that the drake is anything but 



