THE MALLARD 



tended most carefully by the duck and she is most 

 courageous in shielding them from harm. 



I need not take up space by describing this species in 

 detail, as it is only too well known, but mention may be 

 made of the curious eclipse which the drake enters whilst 

 moulting his flight feathers. He then assumes a dress 

 very similar to that of the female, probably from motives 

 of protection, when he is unable to fly, and when his 

 ordinary gay attire would more readily betray him to 

 enemies. The purple speculum in the wing is a diag- 

 nostic character of the Mallard. Length about 24 inches. 



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