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CHAPTER XV. 
DUCKS AND THEIR RELATIVES THE RUDDY AND BURROW 
SHIELDRAKES; THE MALLARD^ AND BIMACULATED DUCK 
THE EUROPEAN, GARGANEY, GADWALL, AND PINTAIL TEALS — 
SIIOVEL-BILL — EUROPEAN AND AMERICAN WIDGEONS. 
THE Anatince, or Fresli-water Ducks, constitute the third 
family of the Sifters. They are not divided by any 
strictly definable limits from the Anserhice, or Geese ; for 
although some in either family present strongly-marked 
characteristics, which divide them from each other, yet they 
are connected by species so graduating, as to leave no 
palpable line of separation. Yet do the two groups, taken 
in the mass, present obvious differences. A summary of 
their general habits is thus given by Macgillivray : — 
The AnatincB feed essentially on stems and roots of grasses and 
other plants, leaves and seeds ; but also on moUusca, insects, worms, 
and occasionally reptiles. They are mostly gregarious and migratory. 
The males are always larger, and usually differently coloured. The 
outer webs of some of the secondary quills are highly coloured with 
silky or metallic lustre, forming a patch round the speculum, or wing- 
spot. Towards the end of - summer, the males assume the plumage of 
the females, but in autumn resume their proper colours. During the 
breeding season the males generally continue with the females. The 
nest is placed on the ground or in holes, rarely on trees. The eggs 
are numerous, white, greenish, or of some uniform light tint. The 
young, covered with stifRsh down, are active from the first, and 
presently betake themselves to the water, where they swim and dive 
with the greatest agility. 
Kepresentatives of this family occur in all climates. They frequent 
marshes, wet places, lakes, and rivers, procure a great part of their 
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