THE COMMON POCHARD 193 



known In some parts of England, was given to it on account of 

 its emitting a shrill whistle while flying. The name is an old one, 

 for Ray and Willughby describe it under the name of ' Whewer '. 

 Its French name Siffleur, ' Whistler ', has reference to the same 

 peculiarity, and by this note the bird may often be distinguished 

 from others of the same tribe, when so far off that the eye fails 

 to identify it. The Wigeon ranks next to the Teal and Wild Duck 

 as an article of food, and, being more plentiful than either of these 

 birds, it is among the best known of all the Ducks which frequent 

 our shores. It breeds over most of Sutherland, and sparingly 

 elsewhere in the north ; a few pairs are said to nest also in various 

 parts of Ireland. 



Flocks of Wigeons repair to our shores in autumn, and either 

 betake themselves to inland lakes and morasses, or keep to the coast, 

 especially where there are extensive salt marshes. In winter 

 their numbers are greatly increased, especially in the south ; and 

 as they feed by day as well as by night, they offer themselves a 

 ready prey to the fowler. Their food consists of marine and fresh- 

 water insects, small shell-fish, seaweed, and grass. Their nidifi- 

 cation differs little from that of the Teal. 



THE COMMON POCHARD 



FULfGULA ferina 



Head and neck bright chestnut ; breast, upper part of the back, and rump 

 black ; back, scapulars, flanks, and abdomen greyish white marked 

 with numerous fine wavy lines ; no speculum ; bill black, with a broad 

 lead-coloured transverse band ; irides bright orange ; feet lead colour, 

 the membranes black. Female — smaller ; head, neck, and breast, reddish 

 brown ; throat white, mottled with reddish ; large brown spots on the 

 flanks ; wavy lines on the back less distinct. Length nineteen inches. 

 Eggs greenish white. 



A hardy northern bird of wide geographical range, with consider- 

 able power of flight, a skilful diver, and not particular as to diet, 

 the Pochard is an abundant species. It breeds in some districts; 

 But it is principally as a winter visitant that it is known in the south 

 of Europe. In Norfolk ' Red-Headed ' Pochards are. perhaps more 

 numerous than any other kind of Duck which falls to the gun of the 

 seaside fowler. Small parties of these birds may frequently be 

 seen by day flying over the sea, or swimming securely in the offing ; 

 and in the evening great numbers resort to the fens and salt marshes, 

 where they feed on various kinds of animal matter, and the roots 

 and leaves of grasses and aquatic plants. As they are considered 

 good eating, and command a ready sale, they contribute to the 

 support of the seaside population, who, when thrown out of work 

 by the severe weather, wander about the shore by day and lie in 



B.B. Q 



