1254 Birds. 



the sportsman and ornithologist, well known piping and tremulous 

 notes. Great numbers come to market with other game. 



Jack Snipe, Scolopax Gallinula. Very common. Found in 

 marshy places where the vegetation is very thick. It is very difficult 

 to be made to rise, and will allow itself to be nearly trodden on before 

 taking wing. Does not nidificate with us. 



Shoveler, Anas clypeata. Regular visitant to our marshes. Some- 

 times, though rarely, seen in Brabant. Not common. This duck is 

 exceedingly shy and difficult to shoot. It is accidentally found on 

 the sea-shore, as are all the Anatidce in general. As food, the sho- 

 veler is excellent, its flesh being tender and succulent. 



Pin-tail Duck, Anas acuta. Comes before the first cold weather, 

 and repasses in spring in flocks. It is by no means uncommon in our 

 markets. 



Wild Duck, Anas Boschas. Our commonest wild-duck in spring 

 and autumn, when it is found on all lakes, marshes, rivers, and 

 streams. Vast numbers are annually destroyed to supply the poulterers, 

 by many different ways too long to be here enumerated. Some few 

 are said to remain and nestle in our marshes. Very seldom found 

 on the coast. 



Several hybrids between this species and the Muscovy duck 

 [Anas moschata) have been shot in a wild state in different parts of 

 Belgium and the North of France : they are the Anas purpureoviridis 

 of Schinz, &c. 



Garganey Duck, Anas Querquedula. This pretty species is not 

 uncommon, though rather local, being only found in some of our 

 marshes and on rivers. It is seldom seen in the Brussels, but is very 

 common in the Antwerp market. It is gregarious, and less shy than 

 our other wild-ducks. 



Teal, Anas Crecca. Very common in spring and autumn. I do 

 not believe it nestles with us, though it is known to do so in still more 

 southern latitudes in France, &c. 



Wigeon, Anas Penelope. Common on its double passage. None 

 nestle or hybernate with us. In some parts of France it is said to do 

 both. Very seldom found on the sea-shore. 



Smew. (See Zool. group c). 



Red-breasted Merganser. (See Zool. group d. c). 



The Eared Grebe, Podiceps auritus. Rather uncommon, and 

 only seen on its passage. Sometimes on the sea-shore. This bird 

 has been found in different parts of France, Germany, and Switzer- 



