19-^ 



INDIAN DL'CKS 



in wet seasons is because it is very much of a shallow-water or 

 bottom feeder. In very wet seasons the lakes, jhils, ponds, etc., all 

 overflow their normal limits, and thus the edges of the shallow 

 water cover ground on which no water-weeds grow, and on which 

 the natural dry-land vegetation has been killed by the water. On 

 the other hand, in dry seasons, the water recedes and much jhil 

 vegetation, which, under ordinary circumstances, would be in a few 

 feet of water, is within a few inches of the top, and well within 

 grasp of the duck as it feeds with only its tail-end out of water. 

 It is, of course, a strong and expert diver, but does not feed, I 

 think, on any vegetation which necessitates its going completely 

 under water. Of two birds shot in Silchar, the stomachs contained 

 nothing but the white tendril-like roots of a small water-plant 

 which grows profusely where the water is only a few inches deep, 

 and these the birds could obtain by merely standing on their 

 heads, as it were, in the water. It grazes a good deal, like 

 geese, on young grass, and also on young crops, and, in addition 

 to various other vegetable substances, eats water-snails, worms, 

 insects, and shell-fish of sorts, this more particularly near the 

 sea-coast, where it is often found in lirackish estuaries or back- 

 waters. 



Morris writes : — 



" This species feeds principally on water insects and their larva;, 

 small moUusca, worms, the fry of fish and frogs ; and also the buds, 

 shoots, and leaves of plants and grass, and these it browses on in 

 the daytime ; but it chiefly seeks its food in the mornings and 

 evenings, and also at times in the night." 



All ducks, it should be noted, whether as a rule day or night 

 feeders, are inclined to feed freely during moonlight nights, and this 

 is perhaps more especially the case with such as graze on grass and 

 young crops. 



Hume says that it is as quick in rising as is the gadwall. 

 I should have given the palm to the gadwall for quickness in getting 

 off the water, but once up the Wigeon is quite as fast in getting 

 away. On the wing it is certainly not as fast as either the 

 garganey or common teal, nor is it as hard to bring down, for it 

 is less densely plumaged, and can carry far less lead. 



