Small waterfowl are rarely eaten nowadays. If they are, they are commonly plucked, drawn and baked or fried whole, or slit and the breasts only removed for frying.
In England the taking and sale of the following birds is allowed from September 1st - February 28th. Shoveler, Pochard, Coot, Tufted Duck, Mallard, Teal, Pintail, Golden Plover, Woodcock, Common Snipe, Wigeon. The taking of Jack Snipe and Curlew is prohibited at all times.