P O C H A R D
POCHARD.
FULIGULA FERINA (Linn.).
Anas ferina, Linn. S. N. i. p. 203 (1766) ; Naum. xii. p. 21.
Aythya ferina, Macg. v. p. 103.
Fuligula ferina, Hewitson, ii. p. 423 ; Yarr. ed. 4, iv. p. 413 ;
Dresser, vi. p. 551.
Le Milouin, French ; Tafel-Ente, Brand-Ente, German ;
Cabezon, Spanish.
Under the names of Dunbird and Poker this bird is
well known in most parts of the British Islands as a
common autumnal visitor to our coasts, lakes, and
rivers; but it is nowT a well-proved fact that a considerable
number of Pochards annually breed in various
localities in the three kingdoms, and with the protection
now afforded by law during the breeding-season
it is probable that the species will rapidly increase and
multiply.
The Pochard is a very powerful diver, and in the
winter months obtains its food chiefly from the bottom
of the water. In my own experience I have never seen
any considerable number of Pochards far away from
salt-water; but in small parties or singly they may be
