79 



WILD DUCK. 



COMMON WILD DUCK. MALLARD. 

 PLATE CXCI. FIG. II. 



Anas loscTias, PENDANT. MONTAGU. 



THE nest of this species, constructed the latter end of April, is 

 placed, unless in a few rare exceptional instances, on the ground in 

 a dry place, often near, but on the other hand not unfrequently at a 

 distance from water; in some cases under a hedge, and in others in 

 an open field, or in a wood, but under shelter of some kind. It is 

 small in size, little more than six inches in the inner width, and regularly- 

 formed of dry grass or other vegetable materials; the lining being 

 down, to the thickness of between two and three inches. 



The greater number of these birds go north to breed; but riot a 

 few remain here and there throughout the country all the year, and 

 build. 



The eggs are usually eleven in number; sometimes ten, and sometimes 

 twelve; and as many as fifteen are said to have been found in one 

 nest. They are smooth and of a very pale green colour. 



The old birds are supposed to remain in pairs throughout the year, 

 but the male leaves the female as soon as she begins to sit. The hen 

 covers the eggs with down and other substances if she leaves the nest 

 for a time. 



