COMMON PINTAIL. 129 



and cautious species, is very noisy, and vigilant in 

 giving the alarm on the approach of the gunner : 

 when a flock is roused they cluster confusedly to- 

 gether as they mount, contrary to the usage of most 

 Ducks. The flesh is greatly esteemed. Montagu 

 says the Pintail bears confinement well, and will 

 breed in that state ; he also remarks that the female 

 has been known to produce a hybrid brood, by pairing 

 with a male Wigeon. 



v. xii. P. n. 9 



