22 GAHGANEY. 



do not keep close together like most other Ducks. In 

 consequence of its wings being small in proportion to its size, 

 the noise produced by them is very trifling, and seldom 

 heard. 



When it is disturbed from its hiding-place, it very frequently 

 settles again near the same spot, and during its stay in any 

 place, it is known frequently to approach very near the 

 habitation of man, where a suitable piece of water invites it.' 



The food of this species consists of insects and their larvae, 

 slugs, seeds, worms, the small fry of fish and frogs, the 

 roots and shoots of different water-plants, grasses, grain, 

 barley, millet, and oats. The last-named are moistened with 

 water before being swallowed. The smaller articles of food 

 are obtained by sifting with the bill. 



The usual note is described as a low hoarse croak. 



The Grarganey begins to lay, as Mr. Hoy has recorded 

 in a communication to Mr. Hewitson, about the middle of 

 April, or towards the end of the month or the beginning of 

 May. 



The nest, according to the same authority, is made of dry 

 grass and rushes, mixed with the down of the bird itself. 

 It is placed in low and marshy situations, among reeds and 

 rushes, and by the borders of inland waters and rivers, among 

 the adjoining rank herbage. 



The eggs are from eight to ten, or even fourteen in number 

 buff in colour. 



Incubation continues for about twenty-one days. 



The young birds, as soon as hatched, follow their mother 

 to the nearest water. 



The colours in this species are of a subdued tone. Male; 

 weight, fourteen or from nearly that to fifteen ounces; length, 

 one foot four inches, or from that to one foot four and a 

 half or five inches. Bill, bluish brown grey, behind its base 

 and over the eye is a broad streak of white, which passes 

 down the sides of the neck. Iris, dark brownish lead-colour; 

 forehead, light purple reddish brown, shaded on the crown, 

 back of the head, and neck behind, into a rather darker shade, 

 ending in a point half way down the latter. The sides of 

 the head and of the neck, purple brown, variegated with short 

 fine lines of white. Chin, black; throat and breast above, 

 yellowish brown, with rather broad crescent-shaped marks of 

 pale blackish brown; below dull yellowish white, with a few 

 dusky streaks j the sides distinctly marked with numerous 



