74 TUFTED DUCK. 



on-Tees, on the 17th. of March, 1853, and four others, two 

 males and two females, on the 28th. In Norfolk, three were 

 seen, a male and two females, and the former was shot, on 

 the River Wensum, at Cossey, on the 25th. of March, 1848; 

 one was shot at Wroxham Broad, on the 20th. of January, 

 1849: they are not uncommon about Yarmouth. In Hamp- 

 shire, one on the River Itchen, near Worthy, October 13th., 

 1845. 



In Scotland, one of these birds was seen by the Rev. James 

 Smith, on the River Dovern, near Banff, in Aberdeenshire. 

 Sir William Jardine has shot some on the River Annan, in 

 Dumfriesshire, and noticed others on the waters of Lochleven, 

 in April, 1843. He mentions that it is observed on the 

 Sol way. 



Tufted Ducks, though not in great numbers, visit Orkney 

 every winter: they are most abundant during severe seasons. 



In Ireland also they are not uncommon. 



In Yorkshire these birds have been known to breed; a 

 family consisting of old and young were observed on Malham 

 Water, otherwise called Malham Tarn, near Skiptori-in-Craven, 

 in the first or second week in August, 1849, by the Rev. 

 Robert Bryan Cooke, Rector of Wheldrake, near York. The 

 Tufted Duck is known also to stay in some instances through 

 the summer at Hornsea Mere, in Yorkshire. The nest of 

 this bird has been likewise found at Osberton, Nottingham- 

 shire, by Francis Foljambe, Esq. They have bred in confinement 

 in the gardens of the Zoological Society in the years 1839, 

 1840, and 1841. 



The present species carries on its progressive northerly 

 movement in early March, and continues it till the middle 

 of April, some tarrying till May. Its migration is conducted 

 at night, and chiefly, it appears, when there is no moon. 



They roost on the water during the day-time, and consort 

 together in small companies of a few pairs, or in single pairs, 

 as well as in large flocks. They also associate at times with 

 Ducks of other kinds. They seem to be shy birds. They 

 are considered excellent to eat. 



They are able to fly with great swiftness, and the wings 

 of a large flock overhead make a considerable noise. They 

 dive well, and swim with equal cleverness. Like all the 

 other Ducks, 'I'm afloat! I'm afloat!' is the motto they 

 most rejoice in. 



Their food consists of water-insects, small shell-fish, and 



