222 BIRDS OF TASMANIA. 



ground, fine grass is soniethnes intermixed with the fuscous- 

 coloured down, each particle whitish in tlie centre, and with light- 

 coloured tips, apparently slightly darker than the nest down 

 of the Grey Teal. Dimensions (inside), 5 inches across h}' 2^ 

 inches deep" (A. J, Campbell). 



Eggs. — " Clutch nine to ten usually, thirteen maximum; ellip- 

 tical in shape; texture of shell fine; surface glossj' and greasy; 

 colour rich cream. Dimensions in inches of odd examples: — (1) 

 2.04 X 1.5, (2) 1.9 X 1.45. Of four from a set :— (1) 2.14 x 1.5, (2) 

 2.1 X 1.49, (3) 2.09 x 1.52, (4) 2.08 x 1.48 " (A. J. Campbell). 



Breeding Season. — According to ]\Ir. A. J. Campbell, it extends 

 from June to December. 



Geographical Distribution. — Tasmania, some of the larger 

 islands in Bass Strait, and Australia in general. 



Observations. — Shooting begins 1st February, ends 30th -June. 

 Doubtless there are but few who are aware that two species of 

 Teal exist in Tasmania, most being under the impression that the 

 species so much in evidence in a number of localities during the 

 "open" season is the only one found here. The species under 

 review is on the mainland frequently called the Mountain-Teal. 

 It is a scarce species in Tasmania, or at least the males are but 

 seldom procured. I have inspected specimens from the Lake 

 district, and am informed on good authority that it frequents 

 several localities on the North-East Coast; doubtless it is also to 

 be found in the southern portion of the island. 



To verify my own observations concerning the two species, I 

 forwarded to ]Mr. A. J. Campbell a set of questions, which I now 

 give, with his answers appended thereto, thinking they may be of 

 interest : — 



Question. — Does the male of the Chestnut-breasted Teal retain 

 its black head and neck and chestnut breast during the non- 

 breeding season? 



Reply : Yes. [I believe that once the male of this species dons 

 his full livery he never throws it off ; but I also beheve that many 

 males breed before they have attained full livery.] 



Question. — Is the breeding plumage of both sexes of the Grey 

 Teal similar to the non-breeding plumage? 



Reply. — Yes. 



Question. — Are there any outward differences between the 

 female of the Chestnut-breasted Teal and the female of the Grey 

 Teal? 



Reply.— 'i^ one, except in weight— Chestnut, 1-^ lbs.; Grey, 



l^lbs. 



Question.— Are both sexes of the Grey Teal similar in appear- 

 ance? 



Reply. — Yes. 



