RED-CRESTED POCHARD.
FULIGULA RUFINA {Pall.).
Anas rufina, Pallas, Reise, ii., App. p. 713, no. 28 (1773);
Naum. xii. p. 7.
Aythya rufina, Macg. v. p. 109.
Fuligula rufina, Yarr. ed. 4, iv. p. 407; Dresser, vi. p. 559.
Canard siffleur huppe, French; Kolben-Ente, German;
Sivert (Valencia), Spanish; Bech vermeil, Catalan.
A very rare visitor to our islands, which lie far to the
north of its habitual range. I have met with this fine
species in various parts of the Mediterranean, notably in
great numbers in the island of Sardinia, and also in the
marshes of Eastern Sicily, where it breeds. I noticed
more than once that a flock of these birds, on being
disturbed, even long before the commencement of the
pairing-season, would generally separate into pairs and
make off in all directions, instead of circling around in
undivided company, as is the usual habit of this
gregarious family. This bird loves deep quiet waters,
and is a very fine diver. The usual winter cry
resembles that of most of the better-known Fuligula, a
rattling croak, but the pairing-note of the male is a low
whistle that I have frequently heard from pinioned birds
on the ponds at Lilford.
v H