352 



ANSEEES. 



ANATID^. 



ANATID^E. 



Tadokna coenuta (S. G. Gmelin*). 

 THE COMMON SHELD-DUCK, 



OR BURROW DUCK. 



Tadorna rulpanser. 



The Sheld-Duck is one of the most beautiful in ajo- 

 pearance of our ornamental water-fowl ; the various colours 

 of its plumage being pure, brilliant, and strongly contrasted. 

 This species differs greatly from its congener last described, 

 it being rarely seen far from water. Some are to be found 

 on the sea-coast during the whole year, preferring flat shores, 

 sandy bars, and links, where they breed in rabbit burrows 

 or other holes in the soft soil, whence the name of * Burrow 

 Duck,' and ' Bar-gander.' In Scotland it is called ' Skeel- 

 ing Goose,' according to Sibbald, and other writers since 



" Anas cornuta, S. G. Gmelin, Reise. d. Russl. ii. p. 185, pi. 18 (1774). 



