ANATID.E. 503 



of the feathers margined with white; rest of the 

 under parts the same, but with more white. 



The eggs are said to be of a pale buff, tinged with 

 green. 



POCHARD, Fuligula ferina. The Pochard is a 

 much more common bird in our county than the 

 last- mentioned species : it is a constant winter 

 visitor to our coast, and it also frequently makes its 

 appearance on the ornamental ponds, in the stagnant 

 pools, the larger rhines and ditches in the marsh, 

 and on the river. By gamekeepers and others about 

 here the Pochard is invariably spoken of as the 

 "Wigeon." It is easily kept in confinement, and 

 lives very contentedly with the Wild Duck and other 

 ornamental wild-fowl; it requires very little pinion- 

 ing to keep it at home : the wings being very short 

 and small for the size of the body, a very little less 

 keeps the bird from rising : in its wild state it does 

 not do this very easily, but when once up it can fly 

 for a very long distance and at a moderate pace. 

 On land the Pochard seems much out of place, as 

 do all the diving Ducks, its walk being a most un- 

 comfortable waddle ; I have, however, seen my 

 tame ones walk a considerable distance in the 

 evening in search of food. 



The Pochard seeks much of its food by diving, at 

 which it is very expert, and will remain under water 

 for a long time. According to Meyer its food con- 

 sists of roots, seeds, blossoms, stalks and young 



