230 BIRDS OF MIDDLESEX. 



appearance. Within the last five or six years I have 

 remarked that they are most plentiful here in Fe- 

 bruary, during which month they may be found in 

 the brooks and at quiet pools which lie at a distance 

 from any public thoroughfare. 



Teal, as a rule, suffer a much nearer approach 

 than any other species of Duck, and, on being dis- 

 turbed at a brook which has plenty of cover along 

 the banks, they will, after flying a short distance, 

 drop down suddenly again, like Snipe and Wood- 

 cock. Owing to this peculiarity, a friend once 

 bagged five Teal out of one " sprig," in three double 

 shots. 



During the winter I frequently see Teal swimming 

 in company with Wild Ducks ; but, although they 

 mingle together when on the water, on being dis- 

 turbed the species alwa3 r s separate, the Teal going 

 oif in one flock, the Ducks in another. 



Mr. Thompson says : " On looking to the contents 

 of the stomachs of twenty-seven Teal, killed at 

 various times, from late in autumn until the be- 

 ginning of spring, I have ascertained that they feed 

 chiefly on the seeds of aquatic plants of various 

 kinds ; among others, of rushes, duckweed (Lemna), 

 &c. ; also on other vegetable matter, and occasionally 

 on insect larvce ; a quantity of sand and gravel, like- 

 wise, is taken into the stomach." 



The nest is generally placed at a distance from 

 water, and, being concealed with much care, it 



