6 The Natural History of British Ducks 
Egyptian geese are running along the banks, jabbering and quarrelling with 
every other bird that dares to venture on their self-allotted range, whilst not 
the least interesting of all the spring * shows ' is the quick back-head throw 
of the cock Golden-eye, who, for the admiration of his wife, performs this 
curious antic as with his foot he kicks up into the air a bright jet of water. 
Everywhere there is something beautiful or interesting to be seen by those 
who have the eyes to see, and above all, sounding like a blare of shrill clarions, 
come the magnificent trumps of the great American Trumpeter swans — a truly 
splendid call, which once heard is never forgotten. 
As with other wild birds, the most interesting time to watch duck is at 
the commencement of the breeding season, usually very early in the spring. 
Courtship with the Mallard appears to be carried on by both sexes, though 
generally three or four drakes are seen showing themselves off to attract the 
attention of a single duck. Swimming round her, in a coy and semi-self-con- 
scious manner, they now and again all stop quite still, nod, bow, and throw 
their necks out in token of their admiration and their desire of a favourable 
response. But the most interesting and amusing display is when all the 
drakes simultaneously stand up in the water and rapidly pass their bills down 
their breasts, uttering at the same time a low single note somewhat like the 
first half of the call that Teal and Pintail make when 'showing off.' This 
note, and a gentle croaking noise, are the only sounds the Mallard drake ever 
makes, excepting his usual call, which resembles the word 'drake.' At other 
times the love-making of the drake seems to be rather passive than active. 
While graciously allowing himself to be courted, he holds his head high with 
conscious pride, and accepts as a matter of course any attention that may be 
paid to him. A proud bird is he when three or four ducks come swimming 
along beside and around him, uttering a curious guttural note, and at the same 
time dipping their bills in quick succession to right and left. He knows 
what that means, and carries himself with even greater dignity than before. In 
the end, however, he must give in. As a last appeal, one of his lady-loves 
may coyly lower herself in the water till only the top of her back, head, and 
