EUROPEAN WIGEON. 89 



rush bush, and was made of decayed rushes and reeds, with 

 a lining of warm down from the bird's body. The eggs were 

 smaller than those of the Wild Duck, and of a rich cream- 

 white colour." In Ireland, " the Wigeon is plentiful in the 

 numerous suitable localities around the coast, and on the 

 lakes and rivers ;" but has not been found breeding there. 



On the continent it resorts to the northern regions in 

 summer, and returns southward in winter. It is said to 

 occur in the northern parts of Asia. I have specimens from 

 Bengal precisely similar to others obtained in Scotland. 

 The American Wigeon, so similar as to be scarcely distin- 

 guishable, if not indeed the same, occurs from the extreme 

 north to the Gulf of Mexico. 



The Wigeon is easily reconciled to captivity, but has not 

 been known to breed in that state, although, as related by 

 Lord Stanley to Montagu, the male has bred with a female 

 Pintail, as well as with a common Duck. 



Young. — The appearance of the young in their down 

 covering I am unable to describe. In autumn they resemble 

 the adult female ; but so many gradations of colouring are 

 presented by individuals at this period, as well as subse- 

 quently, that I do not consider it expedient to attempt their 

 description. 



