BRITISH BIRDS. 307 



These birds quit the morasses of the north on the 

 approach of winter, and as they advance towards 

 the end of their destined southern journey, they 

 spread themselves along the shores, and over the 

 marshes and lakes in various parts of the continent, 

 as well as those of the British Isles; and it is said 

 that some of the flocks advance as far south as 

 Egypt. They remain in these parts during the 

 winter, at the end of which the old birds pair, and 

 the whole tribe, in full plumage, take their depar- 

 ture northward about the end of March. While 

 they remain with us, they frequent the same places, 

 and feed in the same mode as the Mallard, and are 

 often taken in the decoys along with them and 

 other kinds of Ducks. 



The Wigeons commonly fly, in small flocks, 

 during the night, and may be known from others 

 by their whistling note while they are on the wing. 

 They are easily domesticated in places where there 

 is plenty of water, and are much admired for 

 their beauty, sprightly look, and busy frolicksome 

 manners. 





