57 



RUDDY SHIELDRAKE. 



PLATE CLXXXIX. FIG. II. 



Anas rutila, Bewick. 



Tadorna rutila, Selby 



This species builds in holes in river banks, such as 

 have been burrowed and deserted by animals, or those 

 of natural formation. The nest is lined with feathers 

 of the bird itself, the remainder being any sorts of 

 stalks and sticks. 



The eggs are white, and eight or nine or ten in 

 number. They are highly polished. 



The young are often carried to the water in the 

 bill of the mother. 



For the loan of the eg^ figured on the plate, I 

 have to thank the Rev. H. B. Tristram, Perpetual 

 Curate of Castle Eden. It was received by him from 

 Dr. Thieneman, by whom it had been procured, with 

 others, from the Volga and the Caspian Sea. 



