224 British Birds, 



decayed rushes and reeds, with a lining of the birds' 

 own down. The eggs were smaller than those of tb.e 

 Wild Duck, and of a rich cream- white colour." Tiie 

 number of eggs laid varies between five and eight or 

 nine; the length, 2J inches by 1^ in breadth. 



AMERICAN ^V^YJd'^—^Marcea Americana; 

 formerly, Anas Aniericatia). 



Of entirely rare and accidental occurrence. 



RED-CRESTED VOGRKK'D—(Fnlignla riifina). 

 Red-crested Whistling Duck. — A rare winter visitor. 



VO^MKKD—^Fuliguia ferind). 



Dunbird, Red-headed Wigeon, Red-headed Poker, 

 Duncur. — A winter visitor, and in very considerable 

 numbers in districts where the presence of inland 

 waters to a sufficient extent enables them to follow 

 out their natural habits. It is almost impossible, from 

 their great quickness and skill in diving, to take them 

 with the other ''Fowl" in the Decoy, and they are 

 therefore captured by a peculiar arrangement of nets 

 affixed to poles so heavily weighted at one end as on 

 being liberated to elevate the net in such a way as to 

 intercept the flight of the birds, as soon as they are 

 fairly on wing. The Dunbird does not now breed in 

 this country. 



FERRUGINOUS Vi^^Q^—iFidigtda nyroca). 

 Somewhat resembling the Pochard in general hue, 

 but smaller, and in respect of the numbers in which it 



