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THE COMMON TEAL. 
Boschas crecca. 
PLATE III 
Anas crecca, Linn. — Querquedula crecca, Steph . — Canard 
Sareelle d’Hiver, Tmm.— Teal, or Common Teal of British 
authors. 
This small species is one of our most beautiful 
ducks, the male, in adult plumage, exhibiting a 
richness and variation 'which can scarcely be ex- 
ceeded. In many parts of the south of Scotland the 
Teal was an abundant species, but the same causes 
that influenced the numbers of the last, have had 
effect, though in a less degree, here also. In these 
parts of our islands no general migration takes place ; 
the bird is a constant resident, breeds in the vi- 
cinity of its haunts, and partially leaves them only 
in either very dry or severe weather; and we do 
not think that there is any accession of numbers at 
any season from more distant localities, like the last. 
It wanders to feed at twilight, to rivers, moist 
ground, or wet stubble-fields, and we have frequently 
shot them in company with other species. In very 
wet weather, when its haunts are flooded, it will re- 
H 
