﻿NYROCA POCHARD. 147 



and Italy, it is everywhere as numerous as the Gadwall 

 (anas strepera.) 



The Nyroca Pochard, as well as the red-crested species, 

 seems to prefer a mild climate, since it migrates southward 

 in September and October, even from the European con- 

 tinent, and does not return before the end of March or 

 April, and invariably avoids frost and snow. Being 

 chiefly a frequenter of lakes and rivers, the Nyroca 

 Pochard visits the sea-coast only as a place of refuge, and 

 then only frequents the muddy quiet bays and creeks 

 that are bordered with verdure : even on rivers it prefers 

 the same quiet and unfrequented spots, with muddy bottom 

 and a good supply of rushes, flags, and divers aquatic plants. 

 Osier beds or wooded banks do not suit its habits ; neither 

 is it partial to entirely open water either on lakes, ponds, 

 or rivers. 



During the migratory seasons, the Nyroca Pochard is fre- 

 quently to be met with on ponds of small dimensions, pro- 

 vided rushes are present, as also the water lily, ranunculus, 

 and common duckweed. 



Morning and evening are the times of feeding ; also 

 moonlight nights. The day is generally passed in roosting, 

 either among the weeds, or floating on the surface of the 

 water. 



The plainly marked black and white speculum on the 

 wing of the Nyroca Pochard, easily distinguishes it from 

 the other ducks of its family. 



On land the motions of the present species are un- 

 gainly and feeble ; the bird consequently does not 

 pass much of its time on shore. Its swimming capacities 

 are, however, perfect, and in diving none exceed it, not 

 only in expertness, but in the time it can remain under 

 water ; still it does not seem to prefer diving beyond 



