Practical Bird-Keeping.


PRACTICAL BIRD-KEEPING.



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XVIII.—THE SMALLER WATERFOWL.


By D. Seth-Smith.


A fascinating branch of aviculture which has been some¬

what neglected of late years, but is now becoming rather popular

where suitable conditions prevail, is the keeping and breeding of

the various species of wild ducks, of which a large and varied

assortment are to be had and will well repay the trouble bestowed

upon them. Ducks have many excellent qualities, they are

mostly very pretty, some are extremely beautiful ; they are,

on the whole, hardy, intelligent and peaceable, and providing

they have space and suitable nesting sites, the majority will

readily breed in confinement.


As to the species of ducks that are to be obtained without

much difficulty, the European kinds may be first mentioned.

Of the surface-feeders, Pintail can generally be obtained at a

very reasonable figure, and the drake is one of the most elegant

of all, but they are not by any means free breeders. Wigeon

and Shovellers are also very showy and will generally breed,

while Teal and Garganey are lovely little birds but shy breeders,

unless they have plenty of space.


Amongst the diving ducks, the Tufted Duck is the most

popular, and should never be omitted from a collection. The

male is most handsome with his plumed head and pure white

sides. Pochards and Scaup are almost equally attractive, and

all spend most of their time in the middle of the pond constantly

diving for their food which consists to a large extent of aquatic

insects, crustaceans and vegetation which exists at the bottom

of the pond.


Amongst foreign species, the Mandarin and Carolina ducks

will always be the most popular, for besides being brilliantly and

beautifully coloured they are hardy and always obtainable, and

the Carolina at least is a very free breeder. Japanese or Baikal

Teal, formerly some of the rarest, have recently become the

commonest foreign ducks on the market. The drake, when in

colour, is nearly as handsome as a Mandarin. When first im-



