230 BRITISH BIRDS' EGGS. 



THE GADWALL. Ckauliodus strepera. The Gadwall is a 

 native of the high northern latitudes of Europe, Asia, and 

 America, and in the latter country it was observed by 

 Dr. Richardson breeding, together with the Mallard, in 

 the woody districts up to their most northern limits, in 

 latitude 68. Prom the North it descends southward in the 

 winter, returning in the spring ; and during its vernal migra- 

 tion it is occasionally seen in this country. Lakes, rivers, 

 and marshes are the resort of this species, the sea-coast 

 being seldom visited. Its breeding habits closely resemble 

 those of some of the species already noticed. Its nest is 

 placed upon the ground, among rank aquatic herbage, sedge, 

 and rushes, in retired and marshy districts ; and in its con- 

 struction closely resembles that of the Wild Duck. The 

 eggs, from eight to twelve in number, are of a greenish- 

 white colour. 



THE COMMON SHOVELLER. Anas clypeata. This beau- 

 tiful Duck is comparatively rare in Britain, and is chiefly 

 known as a winter visitant, but is also known occasionally 

 to breed with us. In its habits it is an inland bird, being 

 seldom seen at sea. Its range in foreign parts is more ex- 

 tensive than that of almost any other British species. The 

 nest, usually composed of grass and down, is placed amidst 



