2 GADWALL. 



a male was procured in January, 1833; and in the following 

 year a female, near Standlake; others in other parts of the 

 county. 



In Ireland, it has been obtained near Limerick, on the 

 River Shannon, and in other instances. 



In Orkney, it has been shot at times in Sanday, but is 

 not a regular visitant. 



'The localities preferred by the Gradwall are inland lakes, 

 large boggy flats, and ponds that are well covered with reeds, 

 osiers, and long herbage. During the day this species frequents 

 extensive open waters, but towards the dusk of evening it 

 becomes restless, and goes in search of the lonely spots before 

 mentioned, for the purpose of feeding, and the enjoyment of 

 quiet and undisturbed recreation.' It seldom visits the sea- 

 shore. 



It changes its quarters in September and October, and in 

 March and April; in the former months for the south, and 

 in the latter for the north. They migrate during the night. 



It is said to be of recluse, shy, and wary habits, but 

 sociable among its own species. It is a good bird to eat. 



It flies quickly and with strength, and is alert in all its 

 movements. It swims and dives well, and Meyer says, if 

 pursued, clings to the weeds under the water. He adds, that 

 if a family or small party of Gadwalls fly about, they keep 

 close, but not in a line, and on alighting they disperse over 

 the ground, and when taking wing, do so with more alertness 

 than most other ducks. They thrive well in confinement, 

 and have laid in the gardens of the Zoological Society. 



These birds feed on water insects and their larvae, small 

 fish, and frogs, as also on plants, seeds, and grain of various 

 kinds, and grass. They chiefly seek their sustenance during 

 the day, on the water, and dive the head under to procure 

 it, but also near the water's edge in moist places. 



The note is only the usual quack, seldom reiterated more 

 than twice at a time. 



The nest of the Gradwall is placed among reeds, sedge, 

 rushes, or other aquatic herbage, such as vegetates by the 

 sides of pools, meres, and lakes, and in marshy spots 'with 

 verdure clad.' It is composed of dry grass, and the eggs 

 are covered with down. 



The eggs ar* from five to seven or eight, or, Selby says, 

 ten or twc'x-fc in number. They are of a uniform buff white 

 colour. 



