206 ANATID-13. 



This is the same bird as the European Shoveller, which is 

 a frequent winter visitor to the eastern coast of England, 

 though unknown in Scotland. 



The Gad wall [Chaulelasmus streperus) is a shy and 

 cunning bird, ever on the watch against surprise, diving 

 at the slightest appearance of danger, and secreting itself 

 so effectually in grass, reeds, or other convenient cover, 

 as generally to elude the strictest search. Even when 

 forced to take wing it is not an easy bird to kiU, its flight 

 being remarkably swift and strong. These two facts, taken 

 in connection with the excellence of its flesh, render it an 

 important and coveted addition to the game-bag. 



Its food is chiefly vegetable, though it appears to find 

 abundance of other matter in the reedy ponds, where it 

 may be seen feeding during the day, as well as at the 

 more usual duck hours of evening and early morning. 



Its note is harsh and loud, whence its specific name; 

 the ordinary one of Gadwall, we are told by Yarrell, sig- 

 nifying Grey duck, though how or why is not clear. 



The Gadwall is well known in many parts of Europe, 

 and is an occasional winter visitor in England, though by 

 no means common, and McGillivray says it has not 

 hitherto occurred in Scotland. In North America it 

 breeds in the Hudson's Bay country, and migrates like 

 the rest of its kind to the Southern States in winter. 



The female lays six or eight eggs of a clear grey 



