TEAL.
ANAS CRECCA, Linn.
Anas crecca, Linn. S. N. i. p. 204 (1766); Naum. xi. p. 701;
Hewitson, ii. p. 410.
Querquedula crecca, Macg. v. p. 48; Yarr. ed. 4, iv. p. 387;
Dresser, vi. p. 507.
Sarcelle d’hiver, French; Kriicfcente, German; Cerceta,
Zarceta, Spanish.
Many of these beautiful birds are annually bred in
the three kingdoms and the principality; but in the
greater part of England the Teal may fairly be considered
as an autumnal visitor, occasionally in very great
numbers, to our rivers and marshes.
The Teal occasionally nests at a considerable distance
from water, and I feel sure, in such instances, carries its
young to the splashy spots in which the species delights.
Of all flying fowl of my acquaintance I consider the
Teal about the best for the table.
