86 BRITISH BIRDS' NESTS. 



tipped with white. The tufts are smaller than 

 those found in the Mallard's nest. 



Eggs. Five to thirteen, generally from eight to 

 ten. Buffish-white and polished, closely resembling 

 those of other members of the Duck family. Size 

 about 2*1 by 1-5 in. 



Time. May and June. 



Remarks. A rare winter visitor. Some forty 

 odd years ago a pair captured in a Norfolk decoy 

 were pinioned and turned loose. They bred and 

 multiplied and, it is thought, induced migrants to 

 stay and do the same, until now there is a very 

 respectable number in the county above mentioned. 

 Notes : a low quacking. Local and other names : 

 Gadwall Duck, Grey Duck, Common Gadwall, 

 Eodge. Sits close. 



GANNET. 



Desertion of Parent Birds. Length about 

 thirty -four inches. Bill about six, straight, broad 

 at the base, and horny greyish- white in colour. 

 Irides pale straw colour. Skin of face and throat 

 bare and blue. Head and neck buff. The whole 

 of the body white, except wing primaries, which 

 are black. The tail is tapering and pointed. Legs, 

 toes, and webs black, with a pea- green line run- 

 ning up the front of each shank. 



The female closely resembles the male. Some 

 authorities say that the bird does not don its adult 

 plumage until it is three years old ; others place 

 the age limit at four. 



Situation and Locality. On the shelves and 

 ledges of precipitous sea cliffs and rocks. The 

 birds breed in colonies, and engage every available 

 situation capable of accommodating a nest. On 



