LONG-TAILED DUCK 



NORTHERN HARELD CALLOO SHARP-TAILED DUCK. 



PLATE CXCVIIL FIGURE I. 



Anas glacialis, LINNAEUS. 



Fuligula glacialis, ..... YARRELL. 

 Harelda glacialis, MACGILLIVRAY. 



THE Long-tailed Duck is a circumpolar bird, breeding 

 usually beyond the forest growth in the Arctic regions, 

 and occasionally in Shetland. It nests about inland lakes, 

 ponds, and bogs, among the plants and low brushwood that 

 afford cover near the water's edge. 



The nest is nothing more than a few stems of reeds, 

 rushes, or grass, lined with the down of the mother bird, 

 the quantity being added to as the number of eggs increases. 

 Many breed in the same vicinity. 



"About the latter end of April," says Meyer, "the birds 

 arrive in pairs at their breeding-places, and in May the 

 female lays. By the end of June or beginning of July the 

 young make their appearance, and are soon led to the sea- 

 shore, and instructed to swim, dive, and provide for themselves. 

 The male, who leaves the care of the nursery to his mate, 

 joins his family on their arriving at that locality, and accom- 

 panies them in their migratory journey and winter sojourn." 



The eggs are usually from six to ten in number, but 



twelve have been found. They are of a pale greenish buff. 



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