NATATORES. 359 



Sp. 582. NETTAPUS ALBIPENNIS, Gould. 



White-quilled Pygmy Goose. 

 Nettapus albipennis, Gould Birds of Aus., fol. vol. i. Introd. p. xci. 



Nettapus coromandelianus, Gould, Birds of Australia, foL, vol. vii. 

 pi. 6. 



This species is nearly allied to the Nettapus corotnandeliatius 

 of Java and India, from which it differs in being of a much 

 larger size ; I have therefore named it Nettapus allnpennis, a 

 term applicable to both, but which, from the greater length of 

 the primaries, and the consequent increased development of 

 the white mark on those feathers of the Australian bird, will, I 

 hope, not be deemed an inappropriate appellation. 



This elegant little Goose is tolerably abundant on the 

 eastern portions of the Australian continent, inhabiting the 

 estuaries and rivers between the ranges, and the coast from 

 the Hunter to Moreton Bay, and in all probability far to 

 the northward of these localities, though my knowledge of its 

 range will not allow me to say such is the case, as it is one of 

 the few birds of New South Wales which I had no opportu- 

 nity of observing in a state of nature ; I am consequently 

 unable to furnish any account of its habits and economy; 

 neither, I regret to say, can I supply the deficiency from the 

 notes of any other observer. 



The sexes are easily distinguished from each other by the 

 greater size of the male, and by the far more brilhant colour- 

 ing of his markings. 



Mr. Jerdon, speaking of the allied species, N. coroman- 

 delianus, says, " it frequents weedy and grassy tanks in mo- 

 derate or rather large flocks, flics with great rapidity, uttering 

 a cackling call, and is, when undisturbed, very familiar and 

 unwary. It breeds generally in the holes of trees, often at 

 some distance from water, and lays eight or ten white eggs." 

 This account I have no doubt is equally descriptive of the 

 present species. 



