BIRDS OF THE STREAMS 85 



concealment, of drawing itself up and pointing its beak 

 upwards, when it harmonizes with its surroundings, 

 and often escapes observation. Except when migrating, 

 it seldom resorts to flight. 



Food. — Fish, frogs, reptiles, and water insects. 



Nidification. — Breeds in Europe and Asia. 



GARGANEY {Querquedula circia). 



A spring visitor. Very local and uncommon as a 

 breeding species. It nests sparingly in the Fen and 

 Broad and other suitable districts. 



Observation. — Distinguish at a distance from Teal by 

 bluish wings and broad white eye-stripe. 



Plumage. — Forehead, nape, and back dark brown ; 

 white stripe commencing just before the eye and extend- 

 ing to back of neck. Cheeks and neck light brown 

 with short white lines. Wings bluish grey. Speculum 

 green, edged with white bar. Tail brown. Chin 

 black. Breast pale brown, marked with dark crescentic 

 bands. Belly white ; under tail-coverts mottled with 

 black and white. Bill black. Legs and feet greyish 

 brown. Length 16 in. Female : smaller, mottled with 

 brown ; eye-stripe washed with yellow ; speculum 

 duller green between two white bars. Young, like 

 female. 



Language. — A sharp quack ; also another note re- 

 motely resembling the noise of the cricket (hence Cricket 

 Teal). 



Habits. — Closely resembles the Teal. 



Food. — Small fishes and water insects. 



Nest. — May. One brood. 



Site. — Amongst rank grass, in reed-beds, &c. 



