WIDGEON 
179 
Widgeon when not molested is less fearful than either the Pochard or the Teal. He 
was surprised to find how their habits changed as soon as they were protected from 
guns. 
Daily Movements. Widgeon are naturally night-feeders. In their winter 
haunts the first arrivals are, like other species, day-feeders. Later on they become 
almost marine in their habits, but feed at low tide both in the day and in the night, 
unless greatly disturbed during the day. In many places they are forced to keep to 
the open sea during the whole day, and flight either in-shore, or to inland fresh 
waters, flooded meadows or even grassy fields at night. The truth probably is that 
if left strictly alone they would be governed chiefly by the rise and fall of the tide, 
and would spend at least part of their time on fresh water; nevertheless, even when 
little disturbed, they, like other ducks, become more nocturnal as winter approaches. 
Under present conditions they flight more or less after sundown, and very rarely on 
dark nights. But if the moon should rise during the night there seems to be a second 
period of activity (Thompson, 1851; Millais, 1902). It goes without saying that on 
the breeding grounds they are crepuscular, showing little activity during the middle 
of the day. 
Gait, Swimming, Diving. The Wfidgeon is one of the most graceful and attrac- 
tive ducks, on the water, on land, and in the air. It walks and runs easily and rapidly 
and its carriage is perhaps a little more upright than that of the Mallard, the head 
being closely drawn in. It floats lightly upon the water, but is easily distinguished 
by the retracted neck and small, finely shaped head and bill, which give it an aristo- 
cratic appearance. The upward tilt of the closed wing is a good field-mark in picking 
the species out at long distances on the water. 
It is a skilful diver, but never dives unless wounded, when it is able to cover con- 
siderable distances under the water. At least one good authority (R. Gray, 1871) 
has actually found Widgeon holding themselves under the surface by their bills in 
shallow water, so that they had to be dislodged with a boat-hook. Such habits, 
though once commonly spoken of, are now generally regarded as imaginary or 
accidental and I cannot bring myself to believe that a wounded duck will ever 
“commit suicide.” 
Flight. The Widgeon rises as easily as any other duck, and more perpendicu- 
larly than most others. It is more light and agile in the air than the Mallard; the 
wings are more depressed below the body and do not cause a whistling sound. 
There is no more beautiful and animated picture than a great flock of Widgeon in 
full career darting this way and that, wheeling round and round in great circles, only 
to set their wings suddenly and pitch headlong with meteoric speed until within a 
