'i- 



228 THE NESrS AND EGGS OF BRITISH BIRDS. 



attract really wild birds, so that at the present day this 

 Duck breeds in some considerable numbers, not only at 

 Narford, but at Merton and some few other neighbouring 

 localities. 



Breeding habits: The Gadwalls that breed in 

 England are probably resident, but their numbers are 

 increased during the winter by arrivals from the Con- 

 tinent. The Gadwall frequents fresh water rather than 

 the coast, its favourite breeding-grounds being marshy 

 heaths and the boggy banks of lakes and meres. 

 Although several nests may be met with on a com- 

 paratively small area of ground, the Gadwall is neither 

 gregarious nor social during the breeding season, each 

 pair keeping to themselves. It is not improbable that 

 this species pairs for life, and yearly frequents a chosen 

 place in which to breed. The nest is rarely if ever 

 placed far from water, and is frequently made on the 

 shore of a low island or even on a clump of herbage 

 surrounded by water. The favourite site seems to be 

 a tussock of sedge, or beneath the shelter of a tuft of 

 coarse herbage or reeds in a bog. The nest, which is 

 deep and well put together, is made of dead leaves, or 

 dry grass and sedge, somewhat sparingly lined with 

 down and a few feathers. The bird is rather a close 

 sitter, but makes little demonstration at the nest, 

 although when disturbed with her brood she will feign 

 lameness, just as most other species of this family do. 



Range of egg colouration and measurement: 

 The eggs of the Gadwall are from eight to thirteen 

 in number, ten being an average clutch. They are 

 creamy-yellow, smooth in texture, and show consider- 

 able polish. Occasionally a scarcely perceptible green 

 tinge is perceptible. Average measurement, 2'i inches 

 in length, by 1*5 inch in breadth. Incubation, per- 

 formed by the female, is said by some authorities t9 



