132 British Birds, with their Nests and Eggs. 



willow swamps. A flock of Garganeys twisting amongst trees presents , a very 

 remarkable appearance, from the simultaneous flashing in the sun of the blue-grey 

 wing-coverts of the male birds amidst the pale green of the early spring foliage. 

 The birds are very restless and perpetually dashing in from place to place with 

 a curious harsh rattling note." * This note it is said is only heard in the breeding 

 season; the ordinary call may be represented by the syllable knake or knack. 



The food of the Garganey is composed much of the same substances as the 

 Teal takes, these being both of an animal and vegetable nature. 



The long slender neck of the Garganey resembles that of the Pintail, and its 

 plumage in some respects approaches both the Pintail and Shoveler. The weight 

 of an adult male in good condition is about one pound, three ounces. The female 

 is considerably the smaller. 



Family— ANA TID/E. 



WiGEON. 

 Mareca petielope, LiNN. 



w 



EXCEPT in summer, this is one of the commonest species of Duck on the 

 coasts of the British Isles, often occurring in enormous numbers wherever 

 the conditions are suitable for a regular supply of food in the shallow bays and 

 estuaries along the coast. 



Although a resident in Scotland and Ireland the nest of the Wigeon is said 

 not to have been found in England, there is, however, strong presumptive evidence 

 that in a few isolated cases it has remained to nest. Dr. Dobie, (" Birds of West 

 Cheshire"), quoting from Brockhole's list of the "Birds of the Wirral District," 

 mentions two instances of Wigeon nesting — (see also " Ibis," 1865, pp. 438-444). 



• Hence a local name "Cricket Teal" in Norfolk. 



