386 THE ZOOLOGIST. 



THE BIEDS OF THE DISTBICT OF STAINES. 

 By Geaham W. Kerr. 



(Concluded from p. 310.) 



Mallard (Anas boscas). — Formerly the only appearances of 

 this bird were confined to small flocks visiting the river in the 

 most severe weather ; now, however, large flocks of several hun- 

 dreds winter on the reservoir, and this spring (1905) several 

 pairs remained to breed on some small ponds near by. 



Common Teal (Querquedula crecca). — Small parties winter on 

 the reservoir. 



Wigeon (Mareca penelope) . — Some numbers visit the reser- 

 voir. 



Pochard (Fuligula ferina). — During winter I have several 

 times seen a few on the lake at Virginia Water. 



Tufted Duck (F. cristata). — Occurs only at the reservoir, 

 where they are not so shy as the other Ducks, and do not asso- 

 ciate very much with them, preferring the company of the Coots, 

 with whom they swim about ; they are often seen feeding and 

 diving quite close to the banks, though I have never seen them 

 leave the water as the Coot does. 



Common Scoter (GEdemia nigra). — Two birds were shot on the 

 river some years ago just above Bell Weir Lock. 



Bing-Dove (Columba palumbus). — Very numerous. 



Stock-Dove (C. anas). — A few may be met with in Windsor 

 Forest. 



Turtle-Dove (Turtur communis). — Very common along the 

 Thames Valley. 



Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus). — Plentiful enough where they 

 are preserved. Around Virginia Water and in Windsor Forest 

 the eggs are taken up and hatched out under fowls, so that there 

 are enormous numbers of the birds. During a walk in this part 

 it is no uncommon thing to see three or four albino varieties in 



