191 



COMMON SHIELDBAKE. 



BURROW DUCK. BAR GANDER. SKEELING GOOSE. SLY GOOSE, (in Orkney.) 



Tadorna vulpanser, ..... Leach. 



Tadorna Bellonii, ...... Jenth"s. 



Anas Tadorna, ..... Lxxjtjetis. 



Canard Tadorne, ...... TEiiircfCK. 



Tadorna. Quaere, from Adomo — To adorn, on account of its beauty. Vulpanser. Quaere, from 



Yidpes — A fox, from its cunning. 



The gaudy colouring of this handsome bird, causes it to be much sought after by 

 collectors of stuffed birds; and it certainly makes a striking addition to the ornamental 

 character of the collection. 



The Shieldrake is found widely distributed over England, Ireland, and Scotland, wher- 

 ever "there is an extent of flat common or warren, or undulating land free from cover, 

 and where the shore in addition is low and sandy." It is however sometimes found in 

 more . elevated districts, of the same prevailing character. 



Out of these countries, it is met with, in more or less abundance, in France, Germany, 

 Holland, Italy, Norway, and Sweden; and is a winter visitor to the Islands of Corfu, 

 Malta, and Sicily. It is reported also to be found in Nepaul and Japan. 



The Shieldrake is very worthless as an article of food, and nothing but extreme 

 hunger, or curiosity, would induce any one to dine upon it. To any one wishing to 

 attempt such a thing, we recommend a reserve of beef-steak, or some such well-known 

 "dietetic article." 



The habits of this large and showy bird are almost wholly maritime, and it is a 

 rare occurrence for any of them to be obtained away from the sea-side. They remain 

 with us the whole year, and breed regularly in many places, such as we have above 

 named as haunted by them, when undisturbed by their constant enemy — man. Many 

 are however added to their numbers during the winter season, by migration from more 

 northern latitudes. They are readily tamed, and if afforded suitable dry banks, with 

 artificial holes made in them, they will, according to Yarrell, breed readily. In a wild 



