42
The Sheldrake.
(Tadorna cornuta.)
On the shores of river estuaries where the receding tide leaves wide mudflats, this handsome bird is common throughout Britain, and the temperate regions of Europe and Asia. It is essentially a coast-bird, usually making its nest in a rabbit-burrow or other hole among sand-hills; hence it is sometimes known as the Burrow-duck. In the Frisian Islands artificial burrows are made by the inhabitants who collect the eggs and down. When seen at a distance the Sheldrake appears to be black and white, but a closer view reveals a bright chestnut band across the breast, pink legs and red beak. In spring the male develops a knob at the base of the upper mandible.