The Curator—Waterfowl at Walcot



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begins her clutch, which averages eight or nine, about the middle of

May. She is a determined breeder and will lay as many as four clutches

if her former nests are robbed. For so small a bird the eggs are astound-

ingly large, exceeding those of the Mallard in size. The texture of the

shell is rough to the touch. In colour it is very pale green, so pale as

to seem almost white. Incubation covers a period of twenty-five days.

The ducklings are easy to rear and take readily to biscuit meal and

duckweed.


Two years ago we imported a number of Hottentot Teal which were

turned out on the lakes. These tiny Duck—perhaps the smallest known

species—have proved hardy and easy to keep. They require no artificial

warmth or shelter and ice, snow, and east winds have no effect upon

them. Two pairs nested this year, at the end of July. In each instance

one clutch only was laid. The nests were placed in thick cover which

grows on the water’s edge. One contained three eggs and the other eight.

Incubation took tw’enty-three days. Fertility was good and the duck¬

lings were easily reared, requiring no special treatment.


Until a few years ago the Versicolor Teal was difficult to procure

and the records of its breeding in captivity were very few. Recently

a number of pairs have been imported and now they may be seen

in most of the larger collections of Waterfowl both in England and on

the Continent. It appears from our own experience and from the

information we have received concerning this species, that it is quite

a free breeder. Two pairs have bred with us this year and the young

were reared without difficulty.


Barrow’s Golden-eye are not often seen in Waterfowl collections.

This is a pity. They are easy to keep and need no special attention.

Furthermore, hand-reared specimens are easily obtainable at the present

time at a reasonable figure. Though we have not formerly bred this

species, Barrow’s Golden-eye nested here this season. The nest was

placed on the ground inside a hollow willow tree and six eggs were

laid. Fertility was good.


We know of no records of Smews having been kept in captivity.

We find them the easiest of the Sawbills to maintain in perfect condition.

They will find their own food if given a good range ; if not, they will

thrive on small strips of beef and biscuit meal. Last year, and again



