observed in Oudli and Kumaon. 
249 
203. Casarca rutila. (“ Ruddy Shieldrake.”) “ Braliminy 
Duck ” of Europeans. “ Chukwa ” of natives; probably so called 
from its cry. 
Very common in the cold season on the large rivers and lakes; 
seldom seen on the small jheels, except in the vicinity of rivers. 
Immense flocks, during the day, rest on the sand-banks of rivers, 
and towards dusk these flocks break up into pairs and disperse 
in various directions. Should one bird be killed, its mate will 
not leave the spot, but continue flying round for some time, 
calling repeatedly. It is a shame to shoot them, as their flesh 
is proverbial for its dryness and other bad qualities. There is a 
strange Hindoo legend about the Chukwa, the pith of which is 
that any person who kills one is for ever after doomed to 
celibacy. 
204. Spatula clypeata. (Shoveller.) 
Very common on the shallow jheels in the cold season, pre¬ 
ferring those jheels in which the water is about four or five 
inches deep. 
205. Anas boschas. (Wild Duck.) 
Numerous in some localities during January and February. 
206. Anas pcecilorhyncha. (“ Big Duck ” of European 
sportsmen.) 
Exceedingly common in the cold season ; occasionally noticed 
in June, July, and August; generally seen in pairs, or in parties 
of from three to eight in number, and is more partial to rivers 
and deep jheels than the shallow muddy jheels. This Duck and 
the Shoveller are seldom seen on the same piece of water; the 
latter always seeking its food in very shallow water, as also do 
the Common Teal and the Pintail, both of which I have often 
killed at the same shot. With the exception of A. boschas and 
the next species, this Duck is the most wary of any,—Teal, 
Gadwall, and the Pochards being the tamest. There is scarcely 
any difference between the note of A. boschas and this Duck 
when alarmed. 
207. Anas caryophyllacea. (Pink-headed Duck.) 
Three times seen towards the end of the rainy season—twice 
VOL. in. 
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