﻿RED-HEADED POCHARD. 139 



NA TATORES. ANA TIDJE. 



PLATE CCLIX. 



RED-HEADED POCHARD. 



FULIGULA FERINA. 



The Red-headed Pochard is a regular winter visi- 

 tant in Great Britain, particularly in the fens of Lincoln- 

 shire and in Norfolk, and in some of the more southern 

 counties. Their numbers were much greater before the ex- 

 tensive drainage system was introduced into this country ; 

 and although the presence of these birds was not wished 

 for in the decoys, on account of their disturbing propensities 

 among other wild ducks, many were caught and sent to 

 the London markets, where they were well received in con- 

 sequence of their good flavour and usual good condition. 



The geographical distribution of the present species ex- 

 tends over most parts of Europe, Asia, and America; its 

 summer habitation is the north-eastern parts of Europe, the 

 northern parts of Asia and North America, from which 

 it migrates southward on the approach of winter ; it does 

 not go so far north as Iceland, neither further south than 

 the temperate climes of Europe, North America, and Central 

 Asia ; but it is a well-known and widely-distributed species 

 within its usual range. 



In October and November the Red-headed Pochard 



VOL. VI. • N 



