446 



ANSERES. 



ANATIDiE. 



AXATID.E. 



Haeelda glacialis (Linnfeus*). 

 THE LONG-TAILED DUCK. 



FuUgnla glaciaUs. 



Harelda, Stephensf. — Bill unich shorter than the head, its outlines tapering 

 rapidly to the tip, which is occupied by the broad, prominently deeurved nail ; 

 lamella slightly exposed along the gape-line ; nostrils oblong, sub-basal. 

 Feathering at the base of the bill forming an oblique line, advancing furthest 

 forward on the forehead, and scarcely interrupted by the re-entrant angle so 

 prominent in most Ducks. Wings rather sboit, pointed ; scapulars much elon- 

 gated and lanceolate in the adult male. Tail of fourteen feathers, short and 

 graduated, the two central feathers in the adult male very long and tapering. 

 Legs short, placed far back ; hind toe small, but broadly lobed. 



This species, remarkable for the great diversity in the 

 appearance of its plumage, depending on age, sex, or the 

 season of the year, is an autumn and winter visitor to the 

 British shores. The appearance of the Long-tailed Duck 

 in the south and south-west of England is uncommon and 



* Anas glaciaUn, Linnfeus, Syst. Nat. Ed. 12, i. p. 203 (1766). 

 t Shaw's Gen. Zool. xii. pt. ii. p. 175 (1824). 



