duck. 249 



headed Species, under the name of Bramany Duck, but these 

 appear to be two distinct species ; nor is it the same as the Egyptian 

 Goose, though somewhat resembling it. Makes the nest in the 

 craifi^y banks of the Wolga, and other rivers, or in the hollows of 

 the deserted hillocks of the Marmots, after the manner of the Shel- 

 drake, and like it is said to form burrows for itself; has been known 

 also to lay in a hollow tree, lining the nest with feathers ; is mono- 

 gamous ; the male and female sitting by turns, the eggs like those 

 of a Common Duck. When the young come forth, the mother will 

 often carry them from the place of hatching, to the water, in the bill. 



Attempts have been made to domesticate this bird, by rearing the 

 young under tame Ducks, but without success, as they are ever 

 wild, and effect their escape the first opportunity; and if the old 

 birds are confined, they lay the eggs in a dispersed manner, and never 

 sit. The voice is not unlike the note of a clarionet, whilst flying ; at 

 other times cries like a Peacock, especially when kept tame, and now 

 and then clucks like a Hen ; is very tenacious of its mate, for if the 

 male is killed, the female will not leave the place till it has been two 

 or three times shot at. The flesh is thought to be good by some, but 

 Baron de Tott, in his memoirs, says, " I tasted it, and only found it 

 exceedingly good-for-nothing." 



The Ruddy Goose is known at Bengal by the names of Chucua 

 and Chucui, and in the Sanscrit Chuccurbaco; common in the four 

 months of cool weather, and always in the day time observed in pairs, 

 on the sand banks of the river, or in marshes at a distance from 

 houses; at night the sexes separate, and go to opposite sides of the 

 pond or river, and there call to each other. This bird has a great 

 variety of notes, loud when reposing at night ; when with its mate, 

 clucks like a Hen, and if angry or afraid, hisses like a Goose. In the 

 hot weather goes away to the north to breed ; lives on grain and 

 water plants. 



VOL. X. K K 



