228 ANATID.E. 



for a time in winter *. They are most abundant at Ras el Doura, 

 breeding in June and July, the incubation lasting thirty days." 



On the Spanish side this Duck is common during the breeding- 

 season in some parts of the marismas, and commences to nest 

 about the end of April. Lord Lilford obtained a nest in May 

 1872, in the Goto de Donana, composed of dead dry water-plants, 

 flags, &c., lined with thick brownish- white down and a few white 

 feathers. It was placed at a short distance from the water, in 

 high rushes, and contained nine eggs. Although they generally 

 pass south early in autumn, some are found occasionally 

 in the winter months, I once saw and shot a single bird as 

 late as the 6th of December, which, albeit in fair condition, from 

 its excessive tameness, was probably from some cause incapable 

 of migration. 



I have always found this Duck, like its allies, F. rufina and 

 F.ferina, frequenting deep, still, weedy water rather than shallow 

 open places ; and the flesh of the present species is not only, like 

 theirs, excellent eating, but far surpasses either in that respect. 



Wing-spot wldte ; tail short, of fourteen feathers, much graduated ; bill 

 lead-coloured, longer than head. 



Male. Head, neck, and general colour above chestnut-brown ; under- 

 parts greyish white ; iris wldte. 



Female. Marked as male, but duller ; iris dull white. Length 15-17 

 inches. 



248. Fuligula cristata (Leach). The Tufted Duck. 



" This species is in some years very abundant near Tangier, 

 arriving here for the winter in November, and returning north 

 during February. In some seasons they are not to be met with, 

 but were common in the years 1845, 1846, 1849, 1850, 1858, 

 and 1861." Favier. 



Kelham saw great numbers at Esmir in March 1881. 



* It is remarkable that the instances recorded of this Duck's appearance in 

 the British Islands should have been often iu the winter months. 



