and white plumage are comparatively scarce, and generally
appear on the return passage in February, March,
and April.
The Golden-eye usually nests in hollow trees, and lays
ten or twelve eggs, of a fine bright green; it is a very
strong and rapid flyer, and the peculiar sounds produced
by its wings have, on some parts of our coasts, gained for
it the name of Rattle-wing. I am inclined to believe
that the favourite natural food of this species consists of
freshwater molluscs.
