130 ANATIDAG 
‘Magpie Diver.’ Small flocks annually visit Dublin Bay 
and the neighbouring inlets, and although I have watched 
these birds for several years in succession, I have discovered 
but few adult males among them. Many sportsmen are 
not aware of the fact that’ the female differs considerably 
in plumage from the male, indeed the former as well as 
the immature birds of both sexes are known by many as 
‘ Morillons.’ ; 
The Golden-eye is somewhat restless in disposition 
and may be seen frequently changing its quarters from 
lake to tide, especially in windy weather. This to-and-fro- 
movement, very noticeable in some districts, does not 
subserve the same purpose as the ‘flighting’ of Surface- 
feeding Ducks (such as the Wigeon), which leave the sea 
and fly regularly to a particular feeding-bank. 
Flight. —This Duck is wonderfully quick in taking 
wing. It can shoot through the water into the air’ with 
almost the rapidity of a flying-fish, and, when on the wing, 
its short, stiff, plumes, vibrating rapidly, make a rattling or 
whistling sound quite audible at a fair distance off. Hence 
the local names of ‘ Rattle-wing’ or ‘ Whistler.’ Hqually 
quick is it at diving to avoid danger. If suddenly alarmed 
it disappears under the water in a twinkle, not waiting to 
sink itself deeply on the surface to avoid observation, 
prior to diving, as the Tufted Duck is seen to do. 
Food.—Food is procured by diving, and chiefly during 
‘the daytime; crabs, shell-fish and seaweeds are largely 
eaten. 
Voice-—The note is harsh and croaking and may be 
syllabled curr-curr-curr. 
Nest.—The Golden-eye nests in holes in trees, and in 
this respect differs from most species of Ducks. However, 
in districts where trees are not available it is known to 
build in holes in the ground. 
The nest is lined with down. The eggs, ten to twelve 
in number, are pale greenish-blue with the green shade 
decidedly predominating, but this fades to a considerable 
extent after the eggs are blown. 
In a state of nature this Duck has bred with several 
species, including the Merganser and Smew. 
' Other species of Diving Ducks when put to flight are usually seen to 
hesitate for a few seconds on reaching the surface of the water, to regain 
their breath before taking wing. 
