336 



DUCK GROUP 



primitive t\-pe than the mergansers, is a surface-swimmer. Although 

 mainly northern, the group has a certain number of southern repre- 

 sentatives. 



The smew, the sole member of its genus, is characterised by the 

 relative shortness of the beak, which is of about the same length as 

 the head and not longer than the shank of the leg ; its form being 

 regularly tapering, with a straight upper profile, and the large nostrils 

 situated about one-third the distance from the base to the tip. A less 



.\ P.MK DF SMICW!-. 



imi)ortant, because not absolutely constant character is the presence of 

 only sixteen tail-feathers. The wings are short and pointed ; and the 

 legs are situated far back on the body, with the shank proportionate]}- 

 .short and the foot large. Both .sexes are crested. 



As regards colouring, the smew, which is the smallest repre- 

 .sentative of the group, is easily recog;iised by the i)ied and satin}' 

 plumage of the drake ; the black forming a patch in front of and 

 around the eye, another, of triangular shape and greenish tinge, on 

 the hind margins of the drooping feathers of the nape of the neck, 

 and two crescentic bars on each side of the chest, and also occupying 

 the back and the greater wing-coverts, with the exception of two bars, 



