548 



BRITISH BIRDS. 



duller, and have the innermost secondaries less elongated. The general 

 colour of the uuderparts is white, with obscure dark brown centres to all 

 the feathers except those of the belly. Young in first plumage closely 

 resemble the adult female, but the dark centres of the feathers are more 

 conspicuous on the underparts and on the wing-coverts. In this plumage 

 males are difficult to distinguish from females, but the latter are somewhat 

 paler in colour and have a less brilliant speculum, and the black on the 

 adjoining innermost secondaries is dull. Males in their first nuptial dress 

 are not quite so brilliant in colour as fully adult males, but the differences 

 are very unimportant. Males in moulting-plumage closely resemble adult 

 females, but retain their brilliant alar speculum and the deep velvety black 

 of the adjoining innermost secondary. Young in down closely resemble 

 those of the Mallard, but the dark spot on the ear-coverts is prolonged into 

 a dark streak, which joins the dark streak through the eye on the sides of 

 the neck. 



NEST OF TEAL. 



