loS Practicai, Bikd-Kkkping. 



XVIII. 



THE SMALLER WATERFOWL. 



By D. Seth-Smith. 



A fascinating branch of avicultnre which has been some- 

 what neglected of late 3'ears, but is now becoming rather popular 

 where suitable conditions prevail, is the keeping and breeding of 

 the various species of wild ducks, of which a large 'and varied 

 assortment are to be had and will well repay the trouble bestowed 

 upon them. Ducks have many excellent qualities, they are 

 mostly very pretty, some are extremely beautiful ; they are, 

 on the whole, hardy, intelligent and peaceable, and providing 

 they have space and suitable nesting sites, the majority will 

 readily breed in confinement. 



As to the species of ducks that are to be obtained without 

 much diflBculty, the European kinds may be first mentioned. 

 Of the surface-feeders, Pintail can generally be obtained at a 

 very reasonable figure, and the drake is one of the most elegant 

 of all, but they are not by any means free breeders. Wigeon 

 and Shovellers are also very showy and will generally breed, 

 while Teal and Garganey are lovely little birds but shy breeders, 

 unless they have plenty of .space. 



Amongst the diving ducks, the Tufted Duck is the most 

 popular, and should never be omitted from a collection. The 

 male is most handsome with his plumed head and pure white 

 sides. Pochards and Scaup are almost equally attractive, and 

 all spend most of their time in the middle of the pond constantly 

 diving for their food which consists to a large extent of aquatic 

 insects, crustaceans and vegetation which exists at the bottom 

 of the pond. 



