332 THE BIRDS OF KENT 



Genus ANAS, Brisson. 



WILD DTTCK. 



Anas boscas, Linnaeus. >S'.N., i., p. 205 (1766). 

 Mallard. 



The Wild Duck is resident in Kent and breeds in the 

 most suitable localities, bat during the winter large 

 numbers are added to those which are habitual residents. 

 The name Mallard appears to be the most common name 

 by which the Wild Duck is known in Kent. Boys, in 

 1792, includes the Mallard in the Birds of Sandwich. 

 The Kev. J. Pemberton Bartlett, in 1844, says it "has 

 been seen in Komney Marsh." There is a male, female 

 and young in the British Museum, from East Sutton 

 Park, Kent, obtained in July by W. Berry, Esq. 



Mr. W. H. Power, in his Birds Observed at Bainham, 

 says : "A few made their appearance early in September, 

 186.5, but soon left the neighbourhood." A specimen in 

 the Maidstone Museum was obtained by Mr. K. J. 

 Balston, in Eomney Marsh, January 3, 1885. Captain 

 J. D. Cameron includes it among the birds of Bethersden. 

 Mr. E. T. Filmer states that it is common in the Orle- 

 stone district. In his Birds of East Kent Mr. G. Dowker 

 says : " The Mallard generally breed in our marshes, 

 and I have known many specimens that were hybrids 

 with the common domestic duck. A curious small white 

 Mallard was shot here (Stourmouth) last winter (1888). 

 A Mallard constructed her nest on the top of a haystack 

 near here ; a curious place to choose. I have known 

 them also built in arable fields some distance from 

 water." In the Zoologist, 1891, Mr. W. Prentis relates 

 the following instance of a Wild Duck removing her 



