BRITAIN'S BIRDS AND THEIR NESTS. 131 



ORDER, ANSERES (DUCKS, GEESE, 



AND SWANS); 



Family, ANATID/E (Only Family). 



THE MALLARD, OR WILD=DUCK 



(Anas boscas). 

 Plate 44. 



The common Wild-Duck stands to the Domestic Duck 

 in the same relation as the Rock -Dove does to the 

 Domestic Pigeons of various breeds, a matter which we 

 have already discussed. Various breeds, such as the well- 

 known white Aylesburys, can be kept distinct ; but under 

 ordinary farmyard circumstances, where no special care is 

 taken, the plumage of the birds is often very similar 

 to that of the wild birds. The farmyard bird, however, 

 is one that excites more ridicule than admiration ; its 

 clumsy, waddling gait is proverbial, and it is, as a rule, 

 incapable of flight. From the mode of its life it has 

 become degenerate from a natural point of view, but at 

 the same time more suited for the purpose for which it 

 is kept by man. Only on the water has it the slightest 

 pretensions to good looks. 



The Wild-Duck is an entirely different bird. The 

 wings are longer in proportion, the body is lighter, 

 and the flight of the bird is extremely strong and 

 rapid, making the sport of duck-shooting a severe trial 

 of skill. The flight is of the ' direct ' order ; point to 

 point flight or wide circlings are typical. The neck is 

 stretched straight in front, and the movement of the 

 wings is regular and very rapid. The birds usually 



