DUCK. 519 



caugtit there 5 from the middle to the end of November, by nets in 

 the marfb.es, before the departure of the waters. It is-alfo found 

 in Aleppo, during the winter, in plenty. Obferved likewife in 

 the Cafpian Sea and its neighbourhood ; and in moft parts of 

 Europe as far as Sweden. Is pretty common in England during 

 the winter months ■, being caught, among other Ducks, in the 

 decoys at that feafon. It is faid not to breed in France, nor are 

 we certain that it does in England. 



Both fexes are alike till the following fpring after hatching, 

 when the male, about March, gains his full plumage ; but is ob- 

 ferved to lofe it again the end of July *, and with it in fome 

 meafure its voice, which is thought to be very like the found 

 of a flute. The flefh is much efteemed. 



CIZE of a Wigeon : length fifteen inches. Bill two inches ; g^. 



colour red ; round the bafe black : the head is of a pale CAPE W. 

 blueifh afh-colour, marked with minute dufky fpecks, as in the 

 Wigeon : lower part of the neck, and breaft, blueifh afh-colour, 

 the feathers margined with the laft : back reddifh brown, edged 

 with cream-colour: quills of a dufky afh : fpeculum on the wings 

 pale greenifh blue, bounded above and below with white : legs 

 pale red : webs dufky : claws black. 



Inhabits the Cape of Good Hope. From the drawings of Sir Place. 



Jofeph Banks. 



* Hiji. des Oif. — We remember once to have feen fuch a party-coloured 

 bird, appearing as if it were half male half female ; no doubt in its change. 



le 



