136 THE BRITISH NATURE BOOK 



colouring of the cock, and its long tail. The nest is almost always on the 

 ground, under a hedge or bush. The eggs are a uniform olive-brown colour. 



It is said that the species was introduced by the Romans, but many other 

 species and varieties have been added from time to time. The bird is 

 " polygamous," and often several hens lay in the same nest. It is an om- 

 nivorous feeder, eating grain, seeds, berries, fruits, acorns, caterpillars and 

 other insects, slugs, worms, and even mice and vipers ; the young eat insects, 

 " ants' eggs," etc. 



Pintail. Another of the Surface-feeding Ducks (26-29 inches). It may 

 be identified by the " speculum " of rich dark green, with a front margin 

 of cinnamon. The bird gets its name from the sharp, slightly forked tail, 

 the drake, in full plumage, being distinguished by the white stripe which 

 passes down from the crown of the head and descends into the white of 

 the breast. The head is brown, the back a beautifully patterned grey. The 

 duck is a brown bird, with delicate crescent-shaped patterns of lighter brown 

 or buff. 



The bird is not common, breeding in Scotland only, but found more numer- 

 ously on our coasts in the winter. The nest is placed on the ground, in the 

 shelter of some vegetation, dry grasses and other material being used, lined 

 with sooty-brown down. Eggs, seven to ten, are buff or yellow-green. 



Large estuaries are the favourite haunt, though the bird may also be 

 found on inland lakes. It is shy, and feeds at night rather than by day. 

 The male, usually silent, utters a low whistle sometimes when in flight. 



Pochard. The drake is recognized by its chestnut head and neck, dark 

 breast, and light grey back and under parts. The duck is brown. The bird 

 is now well established as a breeding species in the British Isles, chiefly in 

 Scotland and the Eastern Counties of England. The nest is generally in a 

 wet and inaccessible place in rushes or flags made of dead reeds, etc., much 

 like the Coot's. The eggs are large and broad, of a smooth surface, leaden 

 grey or drab in colour. The drake utters a hoarse " Charr-charr-charr " when 

 courting. 



The species appears to prefer fresh to salt water for its winter resort. 



Raven. This bird is rare except in hilly and coast districts of Devon, 

 the Lakes, Wales, and Scotland. It is the largest of all the Crow family 

 (25 inches), a funereal black, polished with blue and violet gloss. Its nest 

 is usually on some crag, though it also chooses high trees, and has been known 

 to build in a ruin ; it is a very large, untidy structure of twigs, etc., lined with 

 wool and other materials. The eggs are greenish white, blotched with darker 

 colours brown, black, and grey. The bird is known in captivity as a great 

 mimic, with a " strong love of drawing corks." In a state of freedom, it has 

 a loud and commanding caw, and a love-song of hoarse eccentric chuckles. 

 It is, like the other members of its family, omnivorous. 



Rook. Much might be written of this familiar but interesting bird, whose 

 ecclesiastical gravity contrasts with the pert, dapper roguery of the Jackdaw, 



