THE TUFTED DUCK. 107 



the open, or feeding in the shallow water. They 

 seldom, however, offer a good shot, and will dive 

 about the shores independently, though in consider- 

 able numbers. 



The head of the adult male is of two shades, 

 metallic green and violet, with pendant feathers, 

 sometimes fully three inches long, curving from the 

 top of the head down the neck. I never saw these 

 raised, and doubt the bird being able to do so under 

 any phase of excitement, as can most crested wildfowl. 



Tufted Ducks are late visitants. I have seen 

 none before December ist, and then, though mild 

 weather, they have suddenly appeared in numbers. 

 They may be seen on the lakes till the end of 

 March, or even later. 



THE GOLDENEYE (Clangula glaucion), like the 

 Pochard, frequents inland lakes in some numbers, 

 but is always a wary bird, and difficult of approach. 

 The wings of this species are so short and stiff 

 in proportion to its weight and size, and are 

 forced to beat so quickly to project its body, 

 that a distinct whistle may be heard as it flies by. 

 From this sound it is often known as " Whistle- 

 wing," or " Rattle- wing." Another local name is the 

 " Magpie Diver," a very descriptive one by reason 

 of the black and white plumage of the adult male. 

 These mature males are, however, not often met 

 with, and bear a small proportion (perhaps one in 

 fifty) to the young males and females. But though 

 rare on the coast, they seem to fancy inland fresh 

 waters. I have seen a score together, interspersed 

 with about the same number of females and young, 

 on Lough Derg and Lough Ree (Upper Shannon). 



