452 



ANSERES. 



ANATID^. 



A NA TIDyE. 



COSMONETTA HISTRIONICA (LinilffiUS*). 



THE HARLEQUIN DUCK. 



Fid'ujula Jiistrionica. 



CosMONETTA, Kaupf. — Bill rather short, converging rapidly to the tip, which 

 is occupied by a large decurved nail ; a small lobe on each side at the base of 

 the upper mandible ; lamellae concealed ; nostrils oblong, median. Wing short, 

 pointed, the first and second quill-feathers nearly equal in length. Tail of 

 fourteen rather pointed feathers, much graduated. Legs short, and placed far 

 back ; hind toe slender, with a large lobe ; anterior toes fully webbed. 



This handsome species, called the Harlequin, from the 

 variety of the colours and markings in the male, is one 



* Anas Mstrionica (male, No. 35), A. minuta (female, No. 36) : Linnfeus, 

 Syst. Nat. Ed. 12, i. p. 204 (1766). 



t Cosmonessa (p. 46), Cosmenetta (p. 196), Kaup, Natiirl. System (1829). 

 There is no other member of this well-marked genus. 



