FOR CAGES AND A VI ARIES. 53 



The Scaup. 



This Duck has a leaden blue bill, black head, neck 

 and breast, canvas-marked back, brown tail, greyish wings, 

 and white under parts. It is a regular winter visitor in 

 suitable localities. They have a habit of turning up the 



SCAUP DUCKS. 



mud with the beak in search of food, whence their name 

 (scoop), according to Morris. This species will breed freely 

 in confinement. 



The Sheldrakes. 



The Common Sheldrake is strictly maritime in its habits 

 and is rarely seen far from the coast; its nest has been 

 found in Norfolk and other parts of England, as well as 

 in Ireland and Scotland, although rarely. The eggs are 

 ten or twelve in number, white with a very faint tinge 

 of green ; the young take to the water directly they are 

 hatched, and may be reared in captivity if the eggs are set 

 under a common Duck, a hen, or even in an incubator. 

 The natural food consists of marine vegetables, worms, 



