RED-CRESTED POCHARD 



309 



with one another ; of the majority of these crosses space prevents 

 mention in the present vohimc, but reference may be made to one 

 very remarkable instance of such interbreeding. In 1903 a female 

 ruddy sheldrake mated with a male Egyptian goose {Che?iaIope.x 

 (Egyptiaca), the result being a hybrid gander, which in its turn paired 

 with the ruddy sheldrake. The original hybrid was very similar in 

 its call and habits to the Egyptian species, although in plumage it was 

 more like a female brahminy, with the exception of the tail, which 

 resembled that of the formiCr species. 



Red-crested '^" ^^^^ preceding representatives of the duck-tribe 

 Pochard (Netta ot)tain their food, when in the water, by swimming 

 ruflna) "^'^ '^^^ surface, in many cases, as already noted, b}' 



plunging their heads and necks vertically downwards, 

 and elevating the hind part of the body into an erect posture. Hence 

 they are collectively termed surface-feeding ducks. With the red-crested 

 pochard (pronounced 

 pockard) we come to 

 the first representative 

 of a group which obtain 

 their food principally 

 by diving far beneath 

 the surface. By many 

 writers these diving 

 ducks are regarded as 

 representing one or 

 more distinct sub- 

 family groups (Fuli- 

 gulinai, etc.), to a great 

 extent on account of 

 the fact that the mem- 

 branous lobe on the hind-toe is always well developed. Since, however, 

 this is not an absolutely distinctive character, while difference in habits 

 is not generally recognised as a feature upon which to establish zoo- 

 logical groups, it seems preferable to include them all in the subfamil}' 

 Anatinae. In addition to this lobe beneath the hind-toe, all the diving 

 ducks are characterised by their stout build, thick, close plumage, 

 rather short wings, and backwardly-placed legs. This shortness of the 

 wings produces a peculiar st)'le of flight, which when once recognised 

 cannot be mistaken ; while the position of their legs gives them an 

 awkward and waddling kind of gait. In the water they are, however, 



RD STUDIOS 



KEU-CRKSTKD POCHAKD. 



