The Golden-eyed Garrot, _Anas clangula_, is sometimes called the Golden-eyed Duck, on account of the brightness of the iris of its eye. In some provinces it has received the nickname of the Harlequin Duck, because its plumage, at a little distance off, looks as if it was composed of black and white feathers only. This variegated appearance, which occurs only in the males, makes a fine show on the dark pools and lakes of the north Highlands and Hebrides, where the scenery in winter is excessively dismal. When undisturbed, they float lightly on the surface; but if alarmed, they are said to sink themselves deeper in the water, diving rapidly, and swimming with great velocity. They fly also swiftly in a direct manner, their small, stiff, and sharp-pointed wings producing a whistling sound, which is heard in calm weather at a considerable distance.[24] They rise easily from the water, striking it with their feet and wings for several yards; but under alarm, or when there is a breeze rippling the surface, they can ascend at once. During winter they are met with in all parts of the country, from Shetland and Orkney on the one side, and from the Lewis Islands on the other, to the southern extremity of England. In Ireland, also, they are constant winter visitors; but they do not seem to breed with us, betaking themselves to the Arctic regions in spring, and returning in October. They are essentially lake Ducks; but they are also found on the open coasts and estuaries. Their flesh is dark-coloured and unsavoury, it requiring all the art of the cook to conceal its natural fishy flavour. [24] From the noise made by their wings they are in some localities called Whistlers. They are generally plentiful in our markets, where the young and females go under the comprehensive name of Widgeons. The Golden-eyed Garrot flies low and rapidly. In the month of November it reaches France in small flocks, to remain till the spring. Then it returns to its native country--Sweden, Norway, or Lapland. As it is not a shy bird, the sportsmen on the sea-coasts of Picardy, Normandy, and the Landes kill large quantities of them. THE POACHARD. ENGLISH SYNONYMS.--Red-headed Poachard: McGillivray. Poachard Montagu. Common Poachard: Jenyns. LATIN SYNONYMS.--_Anas ferina_: Linn., Latham, Temminck. _Aythya ferina_: Bonaparte, McGillivray. _Fuligula ferina_: Selby, Jenyns. FRENCH SYNONYM.--_Canard melouin_: Temminck.