BIRDS OF THE STREAMS 93 



umberland, Lancashire, Hants, Sussex and Yorkshire, 

 and other counties where suitable. Also abundantly 

 in Scotland and Ireland. 



Haunts. — Small shallow ponds, lakes, &c., where the 

 bottom is weedy. 



Observation. — Distinct on account of its pied plumage 

 and crest. 



Plumage. — Head, crest, and upper part of neck black, 

 with green and purple reflections ; upper parts brownish 

 black ; under parts white. Speculum white, bordered 

 with black. Bill slaty grey, with black nail. Legs and 

 feet slate-colour. Length 17 in. Female : dark brown ; 

 under parts brownish white ; rather smaller. Young, 

 much like female. 



Language. — A guttural " kurruk." 



Habits. — Largely a night-feeder. In the day-time 

 it is fond of floating lazily on the water, preening its 

 feathers. When feeding it dives incessantly. 



Food. — Vegetable matters principally ; also insects, 

 mollusca, &c. 



Nest. — May. One brood. 



Site. — Amongst rushes or other aquatic herbage near 

 water. 



Materials. — Dry grass and sedges, lined with blackish 

 down. 



Eggs. — Eight to twelve or more. Greenish buff. 



GOLDEN-EYE [Clangula glaucion). 



A common winter visitor ; more abundant towards 

 the north. It is possible it may breed in Scotland. 



Haunts. — Sea and inland waters. 



