396 ENGLISH BIRD LIFE 



later summer, the little flotillas may be seen, headed 

 by the parent duck, investigating every recess and 

 leafy nook of the coast-line, or making more ex- 

 tended excursions to the distant reed-beds, when, 

 moving in close order, they look like dark streaks 

 on the surface of the lake. 



The young do not attain the power of flight for 

 two months or more. As they grow older they 

 appear to become aware of their helpless condition, 

 and, during the day especially, they remain closely 

 hidden in the reeds. At this flapper stage of their 

 existence, they may easily be tracked clown by 

 spaniels and shot as they flutter before their pur- 

 suers, a very indifferent, even if a profitable, form 

 of sport. 



Perhaps one of the most interesting peculiarities 

 of the Mallard is the remarkable change of plumage 

 to which the drake is subject at certain seasons of 

 the year. Throughout the winter and in the early 

 summer he is a resplendent bird, with glossy green 

 head, chestnut breast and ashen-grey, blue-banded 

 wings. At about the end of May his appearance 

 begins to change. The velvety black curling 

 feathers of the tail fall away, the gay tints of head 

 and breast merge into a dull browm, and by mid- 

 July there is little or nothing by which to distin- 

 guish him from the most sombre-hued duck. 



But this curious eclipse is of short duration. In 

 August new feathers appear, by degrees his 

 brilliant colours are replaced, and in October he 

 stands forth again radiant in chestnut, green and 

 ashen-grey. 



Many birds take on new and brighter colouring 



