The True Ducks. 261 



Of the habits of the Wild Duck in 

 England, Seebohm writes : — "The Mallard 

 is probably the most numerous species 

 of Duck, and the most gregarious. 

 Sometimes enormous flocks may be seen 

 in winter on the coasts, flying low over 

 the water, especially about sunset, looking 

 black against the red sky as with rapid 

 flight they hurry to their feeding-grounds. 

 These flocks consist principally of migra- 

 tory Ducks from the cold north, and 

 Pin-tail and Wigeon are often found con- 

 sorting with Mallards. The flight of the 

 latter species is very rapid and powerful, 

 and each stroke of its wings is distinctly 

 audible even at some distance. When 

 disturbed from the water they soon get 

 fairly on the wing and fly straight away, 

 slowly wheeling round if necessary, so as 

 to get up wind ; but as they rise from the 

 surface the direction of their flight forms 

 a very small angle at first with the plane 

 of the water, and this is also the case as 

 they alight. As they approach the water, 

 they skim with expanded wings, and drop 

 feet first perpendicular into it, with de- 

 pressed tail and fluttering wings. If a 

 pair of Mallard are on the water the drake 

 generally waits for the duck to get up 

 first. They do not dive in search of 



