TEAL. 



ANAS CRECCA, Linn. 



Anas crecca, Linn. S. N. i. p. 204 (1766) ; Nauru, xi. p. 701 ; 



Hewitson, ii. p. 410. 

 Querquedula crecea, Macg. v. p. 48 ; Yarr. ed. 4, iv. p. 387 ; 



Dresser, vi. p. 507. 



Sarcelle d'hiver, French ; Kr'dckente, German ; Cerceta, 

 Zarceta, Spanish. 



Many of these beautiful birds are annually bred in 

 the three kingdoms and the principality; but in the 

 greater part of England the Teal may fairly be con- 

 sidered as an autumnal visitor, occasionally in very great 

 numbers, to our rivers and marshes. 



The Teal occasionally nests at a considerable distance 

 from water, and I feel sure, in such instances, carries its 

 young to the splashy spots in which the species delights. 

 Of all flying fowl of my acquaintance I consider the 

 Teal about the best for the table. 



