﻿76 ANAT1D.E. 



months, it visits the coast of Spain, and the borders of 

 the Mediterranean. 



The fiat sandy shores of the sea seem to be the localities 

 preferred by the Shieldrake throughout the year; it is also found 

 on extensive muddy shallows that are alternately covered during 

 high water , and exposed by the receding waves, and 

 bounded by sandy downs and swampy meadows, where, 

 nothing grows taller than weeds or rushes ; and where there 

 is consequently little call for the presence of mankind. 



The Shieldrake is undoubtedly one of the handsomest 

 of the duck tribe, particularly where a number of them are seen 

 congregated together ; its plumage is very peculiarly defined 

 and brightly coloured ; it runs on the ground with more 

 ease and in a less ungainly manner than our tame duck ; 

 its position when on the ground being generally that which 

 we have given in our plate ; and the habit of carrying its 

 neck in an elegant sweep, contributes also to its handsome 

 appearance. 



The flight of the Shieldrake is strong and quick, and 

 performed in a straight line without evolutions of any kind. 

 Although nothing can be said against the swimming faculties 

 of the Shieldrake, it is an established fact that this bird 

 passes much more of its time on land than on the liquid 

 element. 



The food of the Shieldrake, wdiich it is all day in search 

 of, consists of small fish and their spawn, worms, small 

 Crustacea, and marine vegetable productions ; to which are 

 added the seeds of grasses, and corn when it can easily 

 be obtained. In confinement this species greedily consumes 

 corn, and vegetables of all kinds, and apparently thrives 

 very well upon them. 



The breeding-places chosen by this bird are the sandy 

 downs that gird the sea-coast, particularly where rabbits 



