224 
THE POCHARDS. 
Kepresentatives of tliis tamily occur in all climates, but are more 
numerous in^ the temperate and cold regions. Their flesh is little 
esteemed, being generally very dark-coloured and rank, though a feAV 
species are lauded for their peculiarly rich flavour. 
The Red-headed Pochard {Aytluja ferind)^ some- 
times called the Eed-headed, or Great-headed Poker, or 
Widgeon ; the Dunbird, Duncur or Dunker. The Red- 
crested Pochard. (^A: rvjina) — These are the only two 
British species of the genus Aythija. The second of them, 
which is remarkable for its tufted crest, occurs but as a 
rare visitant, and therefore need not occupy our attention ; 
the first arrives on our coasts in considerable numbers, 
generally about the end of October, some betaking them- 
selves to marshes and parts inland, and others remaining 
in the bays and estuaries ; they are not common in any 
part of Scotland, but on the eastern shores of England, 
south of the Humber, are still tolerably plentiful, although 
the draining of the Fens has rendered them much less 
numerous than formerly. They have been known to 
breed in Norfolk, but. in no other English county. Tem- 
minck says that they are abundant in Russia and Denmark, 
and even the north of Gennany ; they nestle in marshy 
places, and lay ten or twelve eggs of a greenish or yellowish- 
white colour. 
POCHAED. 
