THE WILD DUCK 323 



flies off in a very rapid manner. Its notes are similar to 

 those of the Teal, and it feeds on much the same substances. 

 It is a late breeder, the eggs seldom being laid before May. 

 Water is by no means essential to the nesting-place of this 

 pretty bird. Sometimes the nest is made near the water, 

 amongst the surrounding vegetation ; but as often as not it 

 is situated far from the pool on a moor, amongst heather and 

 brushwood. The eggs are from eight to twelve in number, 

 yellowish- white in colour, and undistinguishable from those 

 of the Teal. The down in the nest, however, will readily 

 identify them. It is brown with long white tips. The 

 female performs the task of incubation, and also brings 

 up the brood. 



Our last species in this group is the Shoveller {Anas 

 clypeata), a species which is easily identified by its wide 

 spoon-shaped bill and blue shoulders. Best known as a 

 winter migrant, many birds remain behind to breed in 

 localities suited to their needs. Quietness and freedom from 

 molestation are the chief requirements. Broads and lakes, 

 reed-fringed ponds, surrounded by broken forest country, and 

 pools with muddy shallows, in which there is an abundance 

 of water weed, are the Shoveller's favourite haunt in summer, 

 but in winter it often visits the mudflats. Its food, and the 

 manner in which it is obtained, does not differ from that of 

 its allies. It is more of a wary bird than a shy one, and 

 manages to keep well out from shore, where it may often be 

 seen calmly floating, either fast asleep or preening its hand- 

 some plumage. Its alarm-note is almost as loud as that of 

 the Wild Duck, and when flying up from the water it utters a 

 grunting noise. The Shoveller makes its scanty nest on the 

 ground amongst the vegetation of its haunts, sometimes far 

 from the water, at others on the bank. The eggs are laid in 

 May, and are from six to ten in number, huffish- white tinged 

 with green. The down in which they snugly rest is dark 



