CATALOGUE OF VERTEBRATES. 611 



H inches, less than middle toe. The original of our domestic- 

 varieties. 



" Common, making its first appearance in April and remaining 

 in small numbers during the summer. It has been found breed- 

 ing in Mercer county. In September and October is more 

 numerous than at other times of the year." 



A. obscura, Gmel. Black, or Dusky Duck. 



Resembles female of mallard, but darker, and no decided 

 white except under wings ; sexes alike in plumage. Length, 23 

 inches. 



"Abundant during the spring and summer, inland, and also 

 abundant on the coast during autumn. Frequents ponds along 

 ' the shore/ and inland is partial to birch and maple-grown 

 meadows, when overflowed by spring freshets." 



A. discors, L. (Querquedula, Steph.) Blue-winged Teal. 



Male with head and neck blackish plumbeous, darkest on 

 crown ; a white crescent in front of eye; under parts pale chest- 

 nut, thickly spotted with black ; female (and male in breeding 

 season) dusky and buffy above; head, neck and lower parts 

 brownish white ; head streaked ; belly spotted, or, in younger 

 birds, pure white. Length, 16 inches; tail, 3 inches. Known 

 by blue on wings. 



" Common. Equally abundant with A. crecca. Less wary, 

 and often caught asleep. Occasionally breeds in the State. 

 Associates but little with other ducks. Is most abundant in 

 September, and prefers the open river to narrow creeks." 



A. carolinensis, Gmel. (Nettion, Kaup.) Green-winged Teal. 



Male with broad white bar on breast; head, &c., reddish 

 chestnut, with patch of metallic green behind eye; neck black 

 above and waved with black and white below and on back ; 

 female, upper parts grayish, varied by buffy bars ; head, neck 

 and lower parts brownish white, speckled with dusky on head, 

 &c. ; belly speckled or white in younger birds. Length, 15 

 inches; tail, 3J inches. 



" Common. A few breed in the State. Pass through the 

 State in April, and return as early as September. Are a wild, 

 shy bird ; are difficult to approach, and seldom caught napping. 

 Somewhat more abundant on the river than creeks." 



