THE STORY OF THE BIRDS. 
503 
but it is rare to see them, as one often sees the wigeon, well out on the dry 
sward, walking for pleasure. Their chief food is of a vegetable nature, but 
they also consume water-insects and molluscs. The common teal is usually 
MALLARD DUCK. HOODED MERGANSER BEAN GOOSE. 
DUCK. 
SCARLET GREAT HERON. EUROPEAN CRANE. WHITE STORK. PURPLE HEROiN. 
FLAMINGO. 
seen in India in moderate-sized parties, but occasionally in large flocks. In 
March they associate in pairs, and then afford very pretty shooting when 
lyin^ on the water beneath the steep banks of the larger rivers. The teal is 
