WIGEON. 



AN SERES. 



397 



ANATID^E. 



Mareca PENELOPE (Liiiiiaeus*) . 



THE WIGEON. 



Anas penelope. 



Mareca, Stejihensf. — Bill considerably shorter than the head, higher than 

 broad at the base, gradually depressed and narrowed towards the point ; culmen 

 slightly concave ; lamellfe only just visible ; wings rather long and pointed ; the 

 first and second quills sub-equal and longer than the rest. Tail short and pointed. 

 Legs short, the tibia bare for a short distance ; hind toe with a very narrow lobe ; 

 feet rather small. 



Immense numbers of Wigeoii visit this country during 

 the winter season, frequenting the coast, as well as the 

 rivers, lakes, and fens of the interior. The species is justly 

 in great esteem for the table, although from its abundance, 

 it generally sells at a moderate price. Its habits in some 

 respects resemble those of the Wild Duck, and great quan- 

 tities are taken with them in decoys ; while for coast night- 

 shooting, Hawker says, the Wigeon is like the fox for 

 hunting, — it shows the finest sport of anything in Great 



* Alias Penelope, Linniinis, Syst. Nat. Ed. 12, i. p. 202 (17t)6). 

 + Shaw's Gen. Zoo), xii. pt. ii. p. 130(1824). 



