3/2 TUFTED DUCK. 



is said to be somewhat similar to the nest of the 

 Coot. 



The eggs are eight to ten in number, usually the 

 latter ; they are huffish or greenish buff in colour, 

 very like eggs of the Pheasant in their tint. 



In the breeding season this bird has its head and 

 neck a rich chestnut, the lower neck and breast are 

 black, and the rump and parts of the tail are dull 

 black ; the general colour of the rest of the body is a 

 lavender grey, finely lined with wavy marks of black. 



TUFTED DUCK. 



FULIGULA CRISTATA. 



Family Anatid^. Genus Fuligula. 



Tufted Pochard. 



This is another of the Ducks which breed, but very 

 locally, in the British Islands. It is really a winter 

 visitor. Its chief breeding site in these islands seems 

 to be Sherwood Forest. 



The Tufted Duck, though seen on the coasts in winter, 

 is to all intents and purposes a fresh-water bird. It is 

 an expert diver, and like the last species obtains much 

 of its food by this means. Consequently it is found 

 on lakes and even quite small ponds provided there is 

 a good growth of waterweed at the bottom. It also 

 feeds upon water insects of all kinds and shell-fish. 

 Its flight is strong and rapid, and performed with quick 

 beatings of the wings. In the winter these birds collect 

 in flocks. 



The nest of the Tufted Duck is placed around the 

 margins of ponds and lakes, sometimes under a bush, 



