and white plumage are comparatively scarce, and gene- 

 rally appear on the return passage in February, IMarch, 

 and April. 



The Golden-eye usually nests in hollow trees, and lays 

 ten or twelve eggs, of a fine bright green ; it is a very 

 strong and rapid flyer, and the peculiar sounds produced 

 by its wings have, on some parts of our coasts, gained for 

 it the name of Rattle-wing. I am inclined to believe 

 that the favourite natural food of this species consists of 

 freshwater molluscs. 



