COMMON WIDGEON. 
131 
preceded it. From tlie hallux being slightly lobed, 
and from the bill having that peculiar blue colour 
seen in the scaups and pochards, and altogether, al- 
though its habits of feeding are more goose-like and 
grallatorial, there is something that assimilates it 
to the maritime species. * In the south of Scot- 
land, and throughout England, it maybe considered 
a winter bird of passage, appearing in large numbers 
late in autumn, or after the broods have gained com- 
plete winter plumage. They are generally seen now 
in small parties on lochs or pieces of water, mingling 
with the mallards and teal, but are easily distinguish- 
ed from them during flight, by the silvery colour of 
their lower parts, or in the dusk, by the shrill whistle 
whence they derive their name of “ Wheicer ,” and 
“ Fistularis,” “ Siffleur,” &*c. While on the coasts 
and estuaries, or more extensive fens, they are often 
present in immense numbers, and furnish a plentiful 
supply to the southern markets. In spring they 
again migrate northwards to their breeding stations, 
which appear to be principally in Norway and 
Sweden ; and according to Mr. Dann, they are by 
far the most plentiful species in Lapland, t In the 
north of Scotland a limited number breed annually 
in the vicinity of the lochs, or upon the islands 
* Mr. Watcrtou considers it a more familiar bird than 
either the pochard or teal, but in our own shooting practice, 
we have always found it much more difficult to approach than 
the latter. That gentleman also considers the widgeon a day 
feeding bird, living on grass and vegetables. 
+ See note in Yarrell. 
