THE AMERICAN BLUE-WINGED TEAL. 

 Querquedula discors (Linnaeus). 

 Plate 47. 



This little duck, commonly known as the Blue-winged Teal, is closely related 

 to the Garganey, and judging from some live birds I had an opportunity of watch- 

 ing in the Zoological Gardens of London, is not unlike the Shoveler in its actions 

 and manner of feeding. It has been obtained three times in the British Islands, 

 viz. in Dumfriesshire, 1858, on the Dee estuary, Cheshire, about i860, and at 

 Ballycotton, co. Cork, in September 19 10. 



The Blue-winged Teal breeds in North America, especially from the Rocky 

 Mountains eastwards, and in winter migrates to the warmer parts of the United 

 States, Mexico, Central America, and the West Indies. 



Its nest, eggs, and habits in general do not differ from those of its congeners. 



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