2i6 Manual of the Game Birds of Lidta. 



Fowler in Ireland," observes : — " The 

 actions of Wigeon when unsuspicious and 

 playful are very interesting. They may 

 be observed dressing their feathers, wash- 

 ing, tossing the water about, and nodding 

 and bowing vis-a-vis like cocks fighting. 

 The old yellow-headed males may be 

 seen chasing the others, or ploughing 

 and splashing through the water after one 

 another, and causing great commotion in 

 the ranks. Some will stand up on end, 

 the treading feet assisting them to main- 

 tain an upright attitude, without which 

 the wings could not be fanned and dried 

 clear of the water. ... A large company 

 of Wigeon feeding in earnest are often- 

 times the most silent ; though when in 

 shot, or nearly so, you may discern the 

 low croaking purr of satisfaction emitted 

 by the hen, the soft quiet whistle of the 

 cock, and the rippling bills as they shovel 

 greedily along the ooze. Duck and 

 AVigeon, when they get the chance, are 

 as fond of feeding by day as by night. 

 It is an error to suppose that it is invariably 

 after dark the latter seek their food ; they 

 prefer night, because they are then safer 

 from disturbance in most places ; but when 

 left alone in spots where food abounds, 

 they will feed with avidity during the day." 



