The Sheld-Ducks. 85 



bird, and is more or less gregarious even 

 in the midst of the breeding season. I 

 found it extremely abundant on the shores 

 of the Black Sea, and small parties of 

 them, most consisting of last year's birds 

 which were probably not breeding, were 

 the most conspicuous objects on the 

 lagoons which are so numerous between 

 the Danube and the coast. The call-note 

 of the Sheldrake, which is common to 

 both sexes, is a harsh quack. During 

 the pairing season the male utters a clear, 

 rapidly repeated whistle or trill ; and when 

 the young are hatched, his anxious 

 alarm-note to his mate on the approach 

 of danger may constantly be heard, and 

 resembles the syllables kor^ kor, uttered 

 in a deep tone. The flight of the Sheldrake 

 is performed by slow and laboured beats 

 of the wings, very unlike the rapid motion 

 of smaller Ducks, and much more resem- 

 bling that of the Swan. Although the 

 Sheldrake seldom or never dives, it obtains 

 most of its food in shallow water, aquatic 

 plants, moUusks, and various water-insects 

 being obtained in the fresh-water lagoons, 

 whilst seaweeds and marine animals of 

 various kinds are sought for on the shore. 

 In searching for food they continually 

 immerse the head and upper half of tht 



