314 SWIMMERS. 



more or less examples are seen along our coast from Nova Scotia 

 to Mrginia. 



The nest has not been found within our borders, and it is not 

 probable that any nests have been built here. The breeding area 

 lies north of the Arctic Circle. 



The Widgeon is one of the most abundant and best-known of 

 the Ducks that migrate through the British Islands, where it ap- 

 pears in flocks of enormous size, covering like a cloud the mud- 

 flats of the sea-shore when the tide is out, or settling upon any 

 large sheet of inland water adjacent to the sea : for these birds 

 feed on the buds and seeds of aquatic plants as well as on marine 

 insects and moUusks. 



The call of the male Widgeon is a shrill-whistled whee-yoii, or 

 7nee-yM^ — the first note loud and prolonged. The female utters a 

 low, purring note, like kir-r-?'. When flushed, both male and female 

 rise in silence. 



The Widgeon is not easily shot. It is extremely shy and difficult 

 to approach, and its flight is rapid. 



