THE COMMON TEAL, 



Boschas crecca. 



PLATE III 



Anas crecca, Linn. Querquedula crecca, Steph. Canard 

 Sarcelle d'Hiver, Temm. Teal, or Common Teal of British, 

 authors, 



THIS small species is one of our most beautiful 

 ducks, the male, in adult plumage, exhibiting a 

 richness and variation which can scarcely be ex- 

 ceeded. In many parts of the south of Scotland the 

 Teal was an abundant species, but the same causes 

 that influenced the numbers of the last, have had 

 effect, though in a less degree, here also. In these 

 parts of our islands no general migration takes place ; 

 the bird is a constant resident, breeds in the vi- 

 cinity of its haunts, and partially leaves them only 

 in either very dry or severe weather ; and we do 

 not think that there is any accession of numbers at 

 any season from more distant localities, like the last. 

 It wanders to feed at twilight, to rivers, moist 

 ground, or wet stubble-fields, and we have frequently 

 shot them in company with other species. In very 

 wet weather, when its haunts are flooded, it will re- 



B 



