OF THE BRITISH ISLANDS. 351 



which appears to be its grand head-quarters in that continent during the cold season, 

 although it then visits Northern Burmah, China and Japan, but in smaller 

 numbers. In the Nearctic region it breeds in the Northern United States, and 

 beyond as far north as about lat. 50 to Vancouver Island in the west, to Win- 

 nipeg in the central portion, and to Nova Scotia (lat. 45) in the east. It winters 

 in the Southern United States, the West Indies, and Mexico. 



Allied forms. Although the geographical area of the Gadwall appears 

 to be discontinuous, it is not known that New World examples differ in any way 

 from those of the Old World, which is a most interesting and remarkable fact. 

 Ghaulelasmus couesi, an inhabitant of Washington Island and New York Island 

 (Fanning Group) in the Pacific Ocean, is said to be the nearest allied form to the 

 Gadwall. It is distinguished by being much smaller in size (length of wing 

 8 inches, instead of 11 inches in C. streperus). 



Habits. In spite of the fact that the Gadwall nowhere breeds in the 

 Arctic regions proper, it is a migratory bird. In Europe its periods of passage 

 are about the same as in India. It arrives at its breeding grounds early in April, 

 and departs in September and October for its winter quarters. Its migrations 

 are undertaken at night, and during flight the birds keep calling to each other, 

 probably to keep their ranks together. The Gadwall is not a coast nor a salt-water 

 Duck, but prefers inland fresh waters. When once these are assured, locality 

 and extent seem pf only minor importance, for mighty rivers are frequented just 

 the same as small brooks, huge lakes equally as small pools and ponds, whilst 

 tangled swamps with little open water in them are resorted to. As a rule the 

 the larger and more open the sheet of water the bigger the flock of birds, only 

 small parties frequenting the smaller lakes and streams. For the most part the 

 Gadwall is a night feeder, dozing during the day and retiring inland to feed at 

 dusk. If much harassed the flocks seldom rest close inshore, but take up their 

 position in the centre of the lake well out of harm's way ; but sometimes the 

 birds are fond of skulking close amongst the dense vegetation. Occasionally the 

 Gadwall may be seen feeding during the day, paddling about in the shallows and 

 searching the bottom of the water, with the fore part of the body entirely under 

 the surface and the hind quarters bolt upright. It swims well and buoyantly, 

 and rises from the water with a single bound at a rather acute angle, continuing 

 for several yards before hurrying away on a horizontal course. Its flight is rapid 

 and straightforward, and the long, pointed wings make a peculiar whistling sound 

 as they are beaten rapidly through the air. The note of the Gadwall very closely 

 resembles the well-known quack of the Mallard, but is uttered oftener and is 

 weaker and sharper in tone. It is a much more noisy bird than the Mallard, and 

 whilst feeding in localities where it is not disturbed keeps up a shrill, feeble, and 

 perpetual chatter. The present species is very sociable, and fraternises with all 



