COMMON SH ELD -DUCK, 21 



species, locally abundant on the east coast and in Somerset, 

 and exceedingly plentiful in some parts of Wales and Scotland. 

 In Lancashire and Cheshire, where writer after writer has 

 stated that its numbers are greatly reduced, it is steadily on 

 the increase. 



This large and handsome duck has certain goose- and swan- 

 like characters, and is not easily confused with other species. 

 When flying over the distant banks it looks black and white, 

 but if nearer, the broad chestnut band across the white chest 

 is conspicuous, and the scarlet bill with its prominent knob 

 is characteristic. The drake Shoveler when sleeping shows 

 the same stout white breast and chestnut band, but is a 

 squatter, short-necked bird with a lower pose on the water. 

 The name means pied, and has no connection with shield ; the 

 bird is often called the " Sheldrake," irrespective of sex, or 

 " Shell-duck " or " Mussel-duck," from its food. 



Tidal flats, whether of sand or mud, are favoured feeding 

 grounds ; it is said to feed by night, but certainly also feeds in 

 the daytime ; doubtless its times are regulated by the tides. 

 It is gregarious, but the '* droppings," the sporting term for the 

 flocks, are seldom large ; though at times of migration, for 

 many immigrants come in autumn, it congregates in thousands. 

 The birds scatter over the banks hunting for molluscs, worms, 

 or crustaceans, even racing after sand-hoppers. Mussel-beds 

 are frequented, and some marine weeds are eaten. Like 

 gulls, the Sheld-Duck will mark time or paddle in shallow 

 water to bring worms or other animals to the surface, but 

 much of its food is obtained when swimming by dipping 

 the head and neck, and upending like other surface feeders. 

 On dunes and marshes, frequented at high tide and during the 

 breeding season, land molluscs and other animals are eaten. 

 The bird walks easily, and its flight is slow and regular, 

 suggestive of a goose rather than a duck. The drake has a low 

 whistling call, and the duck a subdued barking quack, which 



