78 THE BIRDS OF THE BRITISH ISLES. 



reappearing. Seebohm affirms that on land it stands like a 

 Cormorant and walks clumsily. It is neither so upright nor 

 awkward, but is easy on its feet and, considering the far back 

 position of the legs, remarkably horizontal in pose. The court- 

 ship performances differ little from those of other ducks ; there 

 is the same head throw and gulp as the competing drakes swim 

 round the duck, the same occasional squabbles, and now and 

 then the bird forces itself forward with a strong stroke, after the 

 manner of the cob Swan. 



The Goosander nests in holes, often in hollow trees, under 

 rocks or in peat banks, and but little nesting material is 

 collected. Eight to twelve creamy eggs, not unlike those of 

 the Sheld-Duck, are surrounded with light down, and the 

 clutches are often complete early in May. The average size is 

 27 by 1*8 inches. When the ducklings, brown above, white on 

 wings, sides, and under parts, and with chestnut heads, hatch 

 out, they are led to the water ; if the nest is in an elevated 

 position, the young require help in descending. Mr. O. A. J. 

 Lee witnessed this performance, and saw that the duck brought 

 down some in her bill, others pressed against her breast — a 

 lesson for those who insist with regard to other species that 

 only one method is followed. 



The irides are red. An eclipse dress is assumed ; the wings 

 are whiter than those of the duck, and a dark collar shows. 

 Young drakes have shorter crests than ducks ; in the adult 

 drake there is no noticeable crest, though the head looks large, 

 but that of the female is long. Immature drakes can often be 

 recognised when swimming with ducks by their superior size. 

 Male: Length, 26 ins. Wing, 11 ins. Tarsus, 1-9 ins. Female: 

 Length, 24 ins. Wing, 9*4 ins. Tarsus, 17 ins. 



