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BIRDS OF THE BRITISH ISLES. 



Ibarlcquin 3)ucf^, 



The Harlequin Duck {^Fuligula histrionica^ Linnaeus) is an 

 exceedingly fare nomadic autumn migrant to the British 

 Isles, and inhabits the Eastern Palearctic and Nearctic 

 Regions. The adult male of this duck cannot be mistaken 

 for any other British species, and a detailed description is 

 hardly needed. The general colouration of the plumage is 

 of a leaden tint, varied with markings of white, black, chest- 

 nut, and brown ; the wing speculum is metallic purple ; 

 irides, hazel; bill, dark slate, lighter on the nail; legs and 

 feet, brown, with darker webs. Length, about seventeen 



