1 86 BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. 



QUER(2UEDULA DISCORS. {Linn.) 

 Blue-winged Teal. 



Winter Plumage, Male. — Above, dark brown, the feathers edged 

 and streaked with tawny ; under parts, pale reddish white, thickly 

 mottled wdth dull brown spots, showing a tinge of pink on the flanks 

 and lower part of the breast; head, gray, with a purplish tinge; chin 

 and top of the head, velvety black, the latter, bordered by white, 

 joining at the base of the crown and continuing down the nape; a 

 triangular white patch in front of the eye, reaching to the throat ; 

 a white patch ujDon either side of the tail at the base ; tail-feathers 

 pointed, dark brown tipped with tawny; wings showing large patches 

 of light blue, metallic green, and white. Female easily recognized 

 by the absence of the white on the head. 



Length 15.30, wing 7.05, tail 2.85, tarsus 1.25, bill 1.60. 



While exploring Fresh Creek, on Andros Island, in January, I 

 procured a number of these birds in beautiful plumage, scarcely, if 

 ever, equalled by any that I have seen in the United States. They 

 were quite abundant on several of the larger islands, generally being 

 found in flocks frequenting the creeks and ponds. It is only a 

 winter visitant, and none remain to breed. 



Fig. Aud. Bds. N. A., Vol. VI. pi. 393. 



