( oT ) 
in length ; upper back and scapulary feathers are black, with a 
purple gloss, more dusky on lower back; head and neck white 
spotted with black ; upper tail and wing-coverts glossy green ; quills 
and tail black ; lower parts are white. This goose builds in India. 
Mukta, like the true geese, feeds much on vegetation found near 
their haunts, and are fond of cropping green grass or tender 
paddy shoots. 
(951) Nerrapus COoROMANDELIANUS, White-bodied Goose-Teal, 
otherwise known as “ Cotton Teal” or Goslet is found in most parts 
of the plains. They are frequently met with in Bengal, paddling 
about, beels and tanks. Portions which are hidden away, secluded’ 
by reeds and rushes, seem to suit their tastes. , These birds are 
strong on the wing,and have a peculiar call, generally heard at dawn. 
A few of the leading markings and colours will considerably aid in 
distinguishing this pretty goslet. It is about 14 inches in size ; bill 
black ; irides crimson ; legs greenish yellow ; wing-coverts green ; 
lower tail-coverts ash ; tail brown; primary quills black, with a 
glossy green ; a large white patch on the wings; secondaries tipped 
white ; white also on part of the head, neck and under parts ; top 
of the head black ; back and wings, have a rich purple gloss, so that 
general appearance, above, is green, and below, or underparts of the 
bird are white. These birds breed in the plains, on biggish trees, 
by the side of their usual haunts or sometimes on old disused 
buildings, from whence they fly down to the sheet of calm water, 
usually, not far off. 
(952) DENDROCYGNA AWSUREE, /Whistling-Teal. This well 
known bird you will doubtlessly notice is placed between, geese and 
the ducks, owing to their similarity in structure, habits ete. to 
both these groups. ‘True Teal are smaller in size. Whistling-Teal 
are plentiful in most parts oi the country. In size awsuree is 18 
inches in length. Typically its bill is large and lengthened ; wings 
short, broad and rounded, secondaries long ; tarsus long and stout ; 
feet large ; hind toe longish. It is called Harrili hans in Bengal. 
Like the last named, it is a permanent resident in the plains. Its 
flight is slow and heavy, and it utters whistling-like calls on the 
wing, occasionally whilst resting on the suriace of the water, usually, 
at dawn. 
(953) DENpRocYGNA MAJOR, Large Whistling-Teal, is a rarer 
bird in Bengal than awsuree. In size it is about 21 inches ; bill, 
legs and feet are plumbeous in colour; irides brown; orbits pale 
bluish ; upper portion of the back is brown, feathers edged chesnut ; 
lower back is black ; lesser wing-coverts dark maroone ; the remain- 
ing coverts are black ; head, neck and lower plumage are chesnut. 
