OF THE BEITISH ISLANDS. 369 



Oenus QUERQUEDULA, or Garganeys. 



Type, QUERQUEDULA CIRCIA. 



Querquedula, of Stephens (1824).- -The birds in the present genus, 

 although closely allied to the Teals, are readily characterised by having the 

 upper wing blue, in this respect showing considerable affinity with the Shovelers. 



Five species of Garganeys are at present recognised by ornithologists, four of 

 which are distributed over the American Continents (two being Nearctic and two 

 being exclusively Neotropical), and one is confined to the Palsearctic region in 

 the Old World during the breeding season becoming more southerly in its 

 dispersal during winter. Two species are British, one being indigenous to our 

 Islands, the other an abnormal migrant to them. 



The Garganeys closely resemble the Teals in their habits and economy. 

 They are partial to fresh water during the breeding season, but become more 

 maritime in their tastes during migration and in winter. Their flight is power- 

 ful and comparatively silent. Their notes are harsh and unmusical. Their 

 food, obtained mostly at night, is chiefly composed of vegetable substances, but an 

 animal diet is sometimes resorted to. They are social and gregarious, especially 

 during the non-breeding season. They swim well, but never dive except when 

 wounded. They are monogamous, and make their nests upon the ground, often 

 amongst herbage far from water, lining them with down. Their eggs are 

 numerous, and various shades of buff in colour. 



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