CHAPTER V. 

 DUCKS, GEESE, AND SWANS. 



Ducks Characteristics Non- Characteristics and Changes 



diving Ducks Characteristics of Plumage Red-breasted Mer- 



of Changes of Plumage She I- ganser Goosander Smew 



drake Wigeon Pintail Duck Geese Characteristics Gray 



Various other species Diving Lag Goose White-fronted Goose 



Ducks: Characteristics Changes Bean Goose Brent Goose 



of Plumage EiaerDuck King Bernacle Goose Swans 



Eider Common Scoter Velvet Characteristics Changes of 



Scoter Scaup Duck Tufted Plumage Hooper Swan Be- 



Duck Pochard Golden-Eye wic&s Swan. 

 Long-tailed Duck Mergansers 



MOST of the species contained in the present 

 chapter can only be described as Sea-birds 

 during winter. In summer they are chiefly inland 

 species, and resort to fresh waters. Again, the 

 majority of these birds do not breed within the 

 limits of the British Islands ; they are winter 

 visitors from more northern lands, and return to 

 those lands in spring. Still there are a few species 

 resident in our area eminently marine in their 

 habits, and forming constant and pleasing features 

 in the bird-life of the coast. United, the Ducks, 

 Geese, and Swans form the well-defined family 

 ANATID^E, which may be. readily divided into half-a- 



