The Teal. 
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feathers become dark and grey, so that he is hardly to 
be distinguished from the female. 
Widgeons commonly fly in small flocks during the 
night, and may be known from other birds by their 
whistling note, while they are on the wing. They quit 
the desert morasses of the north on the approach of 
winter, and as they advance towards the ends of their 
destined southern journey, they spread themselves along 
the shores, and over the marshes and lakes, in various 
parts of the continent, as well as those of the British 
isles ; and it is said that some of the flocks advance as 
far south as Egypt. 
The Widgeon is easily domesticated in places where 
there is plenty of water, and is much admired for its 
beauty, sprightly look, and busy, frolicsome manners; 
yet it is generally asserted that they will not breed in 
confinement, or at least that the female will not make a 
nest and perform the act of incubation ; but that she will 
lay eggs, which are generally dropped into the water. 
THE TEAL, (Querquedula crecca,) 
Is the least of the duck tribe, weighing only twelve 
ounces. The lower part of the body is of a dingy white, 
inclining to a grey tint. The back and sides under the 
wings are curiously varied with lines of white and black; 
the wings are all over brown, and the tail of the same 
colour. This bird is common in England during the 
winter months, and it is still uncertain whether it does 
not breed here as it does in France. Dr. Heysham says 
it is known to breed in the neighbourhood of Carlisle. 
The female makes her nest of reeds interwoven with 
