3o8 THE COMPLETE WILDFOWLER 



it is not often seen in the west or in Ireland. In a few places 

 in Norfolk, where it was first introduced, it breeds, and has of 

 late years considerably increased both there and in the 

 neighbouring counties. In habits it resembles the Mallard. 

 Its white speculum is a distinctive mark when in flight. 



On the Continent it nests in Central and Eastern Europe, 

 its breeding range extending to the far north of Russia. It 

 winters in the Mediterranean basin. 



The adult male is greyish brown, with darker mottlings on 

 the head and neck ; back dark brown, with greyish markings ; 

 medium wing-coverts chestnut ; greater coverts almost black. 

 Under parts white, grey on the flanks and vent. Under tail- 

 coverts black. The female is marked with dark brown and 

 buff much like a Wild Duck, but is known by the white 

 speculum. The young somewhat resemble the female. This 

 species may be distinguished at all ages by the white speculum. 

 Length 19 to 20 in. ; wing io'5 in. 



PINTAIL 

 Anas acuta {LinncEus) 



This species arrives in numbers in September and stays 

 with us during the winter, not leaving our shores till April. 

 For this period it is essentially a Shore-Duck, haunting 

 shallow shores and estuaries, and feeding on aquatic vegetation, 

 Crustacea, and other animal life brought in by each tide. It is 

 more abundant on the east coast than elsewhere, owing to the 

 large tracts of shore suited to its habits, but it may be found 

 in numbers in the west and in Ireland, wherever suitable 

 localities exist. 



It is only recently that it has been known to nest in this 

 country, a small colony having made their home on one of the 

 Scotch lochs. Elsewhere it breeds abundantly throughout 

 Northern Europe, migrating southwards in winter. 



