. BIRDS MET WITH BY THE WILDFOWLER 315 



escaped birds. It has also been obtained in Scotland and 

 Ireland. It breeds fairly abundantly throughout Central and 

 Southern Europe, where it is resident. 



The male has the head, neck, and upper breast rich chest- 

 nut brown, the rest of the upper parts brown, under parts 

 white. The female is duller ; it may always be recognised 

 by the white irides. Length 16 in. ; wing 7*75 in. 



TUFTED DUCK 



Fuligula cristata {Leach) 



This species is the commonest of our Diving Ducks, 

 occurring in fair numbers on our low-lying coasts and nesting 

 in increasing numbers on many of the inland waters through- 

 out England, Scotland, and Ireland. 



In winter, in general with most ducks, large numbers arrive 

 from abroad, and may be found in shallow bays, estuaries, and 

 inland waters in company with other species. 



In food and habits it is not unlike the Pochard, and is very 

 good eating after it has been frequenting inland waters for 

 some time. 



The adult male has the crest, head, and neck purplish black ; 

 speculum white. Under parts, including the flanks, snow 

 white. Bill slate grey ; eye golden yellow ; legs bluish. In 

 the eclipse plumage it becomes much browner, somewhat 

 resembling the female. 



The female is sooty brown above and greyish brown below, 

 and her crest is much shorter than that of the male. At the 

 end of summer she becomes white round the base of the bill 

 for two or three months, but individuals vary very much in 

 this respect. The young resemble the female, and have a 

 whitish forehead. Length about 15*25 in. ; wing 8 in. 



