188 ORNAMENTAL WATERFOWL. 
The authors above mentioned state that it is difficult to 
distinguish between the Duck of this species and that of Q. 
QISCOrs. 
Young.—No information. 
Egg.—Buffy-white ; eight to nine in number. June. 
GENUS SPATULA. 
In this genus are four species, which are distributed over 
Europe, Australia, South America, South Africa, and New 
Zealand. None of the exotic species have yet been imported 
alive. 
As the name of the genus implies, these birds are 
distinguished by the formation of the bill. The plumage is varied 
and brightly coloured. All of the foreign species have spotted 
breasts, and differ, according to Mr. Seebohm, in other 
important respects from their European ally. Spatula variegata 
is described and figured in Sir W. Buller’s work on the 
“ Birds of New Zealand.” 
COMMON SHOVELER. 
(Spatula clypeata). 
This singular Duck is easily recognised by its wide spoon- 
shaped bill, which it employs in sifting the mud in search of 
the small animalcule and worms, which form the greater 
portion of its food. Although not so common in this country 
as many other wild Ducks which visit us in winter, it has 
of late years increased, owing to protection, and now breeds 
in several counties. Examination of the bill of the Shoveler 
explains the reason for its peculiar construction. The curious 
