210 GARGANEY TEAL. 



As a bird for the table, the Garganey is most highly spoken of by those who have 

 tried it, being remarkable for the delicacy and flavour of its flesh. 



Of its habits, as distinct from the other Ducks, we have no records; but we may 

 suppose them to be similar to those of the Teal, to which it is closely allied. The 

 specimen seen on Strangford Lough, is stated to have allowed "a very close approach, 

 and seemed to have no apprehension of clanger." 



The note, as observed by Mr. Selby, is "a low hoarse croak." 



Its food consists of various seeds, and portions of vegetable matter, snails, slugs, worms, 

 and insects. 



The nest is commonly placed among reeds and rushes, and is composed of dried grasses. 



The eggs, which are of a buff colour, are twelve or fourteen in number, and measure 

 one inch and three-quarters in length, by one inch and one-quarter in breadth. 



The Garganey is stated by Yarrell to have bred with the Shoveler. 



The adult male has the bill brown; irides, hazel; from the bill, running over the 

 crown of the head, is a band of dark brown, which narrows on the occiput, and ends 

 in a point on the back of the neck, half way down; over each eye and ear covert is 

 a band of white, running under the dark brown, and narrowing towards the back of 

 the neck. Cheeks and neck, light reddish brown, each feather having a central line of 

 white. Feathers on the back, blackish brown, edged with lighter brown. The scapulars 

 are long and pointed, black, with a central line of white; wing coverts, bluish gray. 

 Primaries, brownish black ; speculum, dull green, edged with white ; tertials, bluish gray. 

 Tail, brownish gray. Breast, yellowish brown, each feather with crescentic marks of 

 dark brown; belly, white; vent, and under tail coverts, yellowish white, mottled with 

 black. Sides and flanks, white, with irregular transverse bars of black. Legs and feet, 

 grayish brown. 



Females have the head brown, with dark spots, and a lighter band over the eye. 

 Back, brown, with lighter edges; wing coverts, brown; speculum, as in male. Chin, 

 white ; breast, grayish white, with dark brown markings. Sides and flanks, of two shades 

 of brown. 



The length of the male is about sixteen inches. 



The female is rather less. 



