The Common Wild Duck or 

 Mallard (Boschas Fera). 



THIS common and useful species is abundantly dis- 

 tributed over all our British Islands, few localities 

 being without some parts suitable for their habits, 

 and many districts being peculiarly adapted for them ; at 

 the same time causes similar to those which have operated 

 on the frequency of many other species have very 

 materially diminished the numbers of the wild duck, and 

 among the most serious is the profuse system of drainage 

 which has taken place in many of the lower lying counties 

 of England, where decoys and the produce of the fens 

 furnished a regular and often handsome income. 



Upon the sea coast there is always a considerable 

 number to be seen during winter, and in severe weather, 

 but bearing no proportion to the large flocks of wigeon and 

 some of the true sea ducks. 



One peculiarity which will always distinguish it as a 

 species is the dark green curled feathers of the tail, show- 

 ing a development or variation carried out in other parts 

 or in other ways among the members of this or other very 

 nearly allied genera. 



The young males in their first dress resemble the female. 

 The males, after the season of incubation has passed, lose 

 the green head and distinguishing plumage of the upper 

 parts, and become of a more sombre tint. 



A sight that is very rarely met with is the happy con- 

 tentment exhibited by an animal and bird side by side in 

 one nest. 



A gentleman who, a year or two ago, had a fancy for 



