520 ANATID^. 



alone, over our lakes and marshes, arriving in October and 

 taking its departure in March or April. Its food is less 

 exclusively of a fishy nature than that of the Scaup Duck, 

 consequently its flesh is more palatable, being, in the 

 estimation of French gastronomists, " un roti parfait." 



THE LONG-TAILED DUCK. 



FULIGULA GLACIALIS. 



Winter plwmage - Head, neck, elongated scapulars, under parts, and lateral 

 tail-feathers white ; a large patch of chestnut-brown on each cheek ; flanks 

 ash-grey ; rest of the plumage hro-wnish black ; two central tail-feathers very- 

 long ; bill black, with a ti'ansverse orange band ; irides orange ; feet yellow 

 Avith dark membranes. Length, including the tail, twenty-two inches. The 

 female wants the white scapulars and elongated tail ; head and neck dark 

 brown and greyish white ; below the ear-coverts a patch of brown ; neck in 

 front light brown, clouded with darker brown ; upper plumage generally 

 dark brown, under white. Length sixteen inches. Eggs greenish wliite, 

 tinged with buff. 



Though a few specimens of this beautiful bird are obtained 

 from time to time in various parts of England, especially 

 on the coast of the eastern counties, it cannot be considered 

 other than a rarity. " Among the northern islands of 

 Scotland, and along the coasts of the mainland," Mac- 

 gillivray tells us, ''these birds make their appearance in 

 October, in small flocks, which gradually enlarge by the 

 accession of new families. In the Bay of Cromarty, 

 where they are very common, it is pleasant to see them in 

 small flocks scattered over the water. They are most ex- 

 pert swimmers, and live on bivalve shell-fish and Crustacea, 

 which they obtain by diving in shallow or moderately deep 

 water. The male in swimming raises his tail obliquely, 

 in rough water almost erects it, and is remarkable for the 

 grace and vivacity of his movements. Their flight is 

 rapid, direct, and generally performed at the height of a 

 lew feet. They rise easily from the water, especially 

 when facing a breeze, and alight rather abruptly. Some- 

 times during the day, but more frequently at night, they 



