TUFTED AND WILD DUCK 39 



of the Sheldrake. The down from the bird is very valuable, 

 forming the eider-down of commerce. The bird sits very 

 closely. It is a resident of the North, and is not common. A 

 thorough sea-loving bird, only coming to land to nest. 

 Plumage. — Greenish bill, in the centre, half-way to the nostrils, is 

 a wedge of black feathers, similar to those on the crown and 

 forehead ; the crown is bisected by a line of white which goes 

 on to the nape, which is pale green, and divided by a further 

 line of white from a patch of green on either side of neck ; white 

 cheeks, back, and wing-coverts; secondaries, which are sickle- 

 shaped, yellowish-white; almost black wing-feathers, rump, 

 and tail, with a patch of white on each side of the last named ; 

 rosy -buff breast; black abdomen; legs and feet dull green. 

 Female rufous-brown barred with blackish. Length. — Twenty- 

 five inches. 



DUCK, TUFTED (Fuligula cristata) 



Local Names. — Black Poker, Black Wigeon, Old Hardweather (male), 

 Tufted Pochard, Tufted Poker, Tufted Wigeon. 



Haunt. — Chiefly the seashore in Winter, but in Summer fresh-water 

 lakes and ponds. Some birds also inhabit latter all the year. 



Nesting Period. — Mid-May to early June. 



Site of Nest. — Among aquatic herbage near fresh water. 



Materials Used. — Water plants, lined with bird's own down. 



Eggs. — Eight to Ten, or more. Greenish-buff, often dirty. 



Food. — Fish, insects, and water plants. 



Voice. — A grating cry, thus, " kr-kr-kurra; " and on alighting, 

 " currugh, currugh." 



Chief Features. — Both a marine and fresh-water Duck, and although 

 some naturalists state that it is inactive during the day and 

 feeds at night, Sir Herbert Maxwell tells me that it is con- 

 tinually diving for food all day long. The tuft on the head and 

 the black and white dress are able aids to identification. 



Plumage. — Black and white ; the former over the whole with the ex- 

 ception of the speculum, flanks, and belly, which are white. On 

 the head and neck there is a purplish gloss; irides brilliant 

 yellow; legs and feet dark blue. Female dark brown, the under 

 parts brownish-grey. The male bird changes its colour in May. 

 Length. — Seventeen inches. 



DUCK, WILD (Anas boscas) 



Local Names. — Mallard (male), Mallart, Stock Duck. 

 Haunt. — Lakes, ponds, and streams, also saltings and mudflats 

 near the sea in Winter. 



