130 ANATID^ 



' Magpie Diver.' Small flocks annually visit Dublin Bay 

 and the neighbouring inlets, and although I have watched 

 these birds for several years in succession, I have discovered 

 but few adult males among them. Many sportsmen are 

 not aware of the fact that the female differs considerably 

 in plumage from the male, indeed the former as well as 

 the immature birds of both sexes are known by many as 

 ' Morillons.' 



The Golden-eye is somewhat restless in disposition 

 and may be seen frequently changing its quarters from 

 lake to tide, especially in windy weather. This to-and-fro- 

 movement, very noticeable in some districts, does not 

 subserve the same purpose as the ' flighting ' of Surface- 

 feeding Ducks (such as the Wigeon), which leave the sea 

 and fly regularly to a particular feeding-bank. 



Flight. This Duck is wonderfully quick in taking 

 wing. It can shoot through the water into the air 1 with 

 almost the rapidity of a flying-fish, and, when on the wing, 

 its short, stiff plumes, vibrating rapidly, make a rattling or 

 whistling sound quite audible at a fair distance off. Hence 

 the local names of * Battle- wing ' or ' Whistler.' Equally 

 quick is it at diving to avoid danger. If suddenly alarmed 

 it disappears under the water in a twinkle, not waiting to 

 sink itself deeply on the surface to avoid observation, 

 prior to diving, as the Tufted Duck is seen to do. 



Food. Food is procured by diving, and chiefly during 

 the daytime ; crabs, shell-fish and seaweeds are largely 

 eaten. 



Voice. The note is harsh and croaking and may be 

 syllabled curr-curr-curr. 



Nest. The Golden-eye nests in holes in trees, and in 

 this respect differs from most species of Ducks. However, 

 in districts where trees are not available it is known to 

 build in holes in the ground. 



The nest is lined with down. The eggs, ten to twelve 

 in number, are pale greenish-blue with the green shade 

 decidedly predominating, but this fades to a considerable 

 extent after the eggs are blown. 



In a state of nature this Duck has bred with several 

 species, including the Merganser and Smew. 



1 Other species of Diving Ducks when put to flight are usually seen to 

 hesitate for a few seconds on reaching the surface of the water, to regain 

 their breath before taking whig. 



