ANAS 149 



Genus ANAS. 



This genus contains seventeen species, some of which are 

 practically cosmopolitan, and others confined to comparatively 

 small areas. India possesses but two species — Anas pJatijihijiicha 

 and A. poecilorhijncha, which is divided into three subspecies, 

 .4. p. pcecihrhijncha, A. p. zonorlujncha, and A. p. Jtaringtoni ; the 

 first species is cosmopolitan, whereas the other belongs to the 

 Eastern and South-eastern Asiatic avifauna. 



The genus may be recognised by its broad but not spatulate 

 bill, which is about the length of the head ; moderate tail, of which 

 the central feathers are not lengthened ; its non-chestnut inner 

 secondaries and dark grey coverts. 



Kei/ to Species and Subspecies. 



A. No white on outer webs of inner secondaries . . A. platijrhyncha. 



B. Outer webs of inner secondaries more or less white .1. pa'cilorlujnclia. 



a. A broad white band posterior to the speculum. 



a . A red spot at base of ImU on either side . . A. p. pcrcilorhi/iiclia. 

 b' . No red spot at base of bill I. p. haiini/loni. 



b. No white band posterior to the speculum ... .1. p. irmorhi/nrha. 



