4 BRITISH BIRDS. 



Mr. J. G. Millais in his beautiful work, The Natural 

 History of British Surf ace- feeding Ducks, says, " all 

 the drakes simultaneously stand up in the Avater and 

 rapidly pass their bills down their breasts," but after 

 very careful observation, I am certain that he is in error 

 here, and I have satisfied myself that they pass their 

 bills 71 p their breasts (see Fig. 2). This motion is 

 performed with somewhat of a jerk, and if one observes 



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FIG. 3. MALLARD DRAKE. COURTSHIP ACTION NO. 3. 



{Drawn by H. Wormald.) 



very closely, a tiny jet of water will be seen to be thrown 

 out in front by the bill being jerked from the water ; this 

 is interesting, as one also finds this jet of water in the 

 spring " show " of the Goldeneye, but in this case it is 

 made by the drake kicking out a small jet of water with 

 his foot while he quickly throws back his head. 



The Mallard Awhile performing action No. 2 as I will 

 designate it, utters a low note rather difficult to describe, 



