THE COMMON TEAL. 
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two large spots in the neck, from whence its common name 
is derived. 
The EuRorEAN Teal (Querquedula Crecca)^ also called 
the Common, or Green-winged Teal. 
The Garganey Teal (Q. Circia), sometimes called the 
Pied Widgeon, Cricket, or Summer Teal. 
The Gadwall Teal (Q. strepera)^ called also the 
Gad wall, or Grey. 
The Pintail Teal (Q. acuta), called also the Pintail, 
Winter, or Lady Duck. 
COMMON TEAL. 
These four birds constitute the genus Querquedula^ or 
Teal group of tlie Duck family. The points which distin- 
guish them from other birds of the same family are not 
sufficiently obvious to strike an ordinary observer, and, 
indeed, naturalists themselves are by no means agreed as to 
the arrangement of the numerous species of Ducks which 
are found in Britain, either as visitors or permanent resi- 
dents. Of the Teals generally it may be remarked that they 
have longish elliptical bodies, slightly depressed, and mode- 
rately full ; long and slender necks; oblong, much- compressed 
heads, moderately arched above. They frequent marshes, 
lakes, and rivers, and feed on vegetable substance as well 
as mollusca, insects, worms, and other sm.all animals. 
