68 Prof. E. Arrigoni Degli oddi on Anatidae 



I think it convenient to take this group into consideration 

 first. 



1. Tadorna cornuta. (Venetian name '' Cherso.") 



A rare species in the Venetian estuary, where it generally 

 appears at the time of migration in winter, but it has also 

 been seen in the months of July and August. Formerly it 

 was more common. 



2. Anas boscas. (Venetian name " Mazzorin" ^, 

 " Anara" ? .) 



The Mallard is common in Venetian territory, where it is 

 also a resident, but the number increases wonderfully in 

 winter on account of the large flocks from the north, which 

 arrive in the month of November and leave in February. 

 It breeds commonly in our regions, but formerly its breeding- 

 places were much more numerous. In August many adult 

 males are killed, and this is the time of its moulting-plumage; 

 one in this condition of plumage is in the collection, but 

 such specimens are rare in our Italian museums. 



3. Mareca PENELOPE. (Venetian name " Ciosso" c?, 

 '' Ciossa" ? .) 



The Wigeon is the most common of the Ducks that 

 frequent the estuary. It is an autumn bird, passing between 

 August 20th and November 20tb, and returning between 

 March 2nd and April 30th. Sometimes we see large flocks 

 of Wigeon in the lagoons, principally composed of young 

 birds in their flrst nuptial dress. They are commonly 

 called Ciossi di baro, the baro being the Zostera marina, 

 a seaweed on which they feed. This bird very seldom 

 breeds in this country. 



4. Dafila acuta. (Venetian name "Asia " ^ , "Asiada" 

 ? , " Colanzi") 



The Pintail is a common species in the Venetian territory 

 as an autumn bird, passing between August 15th and Sep- 

 tember 30th, and between March 15th and April 30th. It 

 is also sometimes seen in May, but seldom. Naccari, in 

 his 'Ornitologia Veneta/ states that this species breeds in 

 our district, but this is doubtful. 



