( 315 ) 



is wanting as is the white band before the wings, the conspicuous 

 spot on the wings is less extensive. Its short and narrow bill is at all 

 *imes a strong specific character. Length fifteen inches, wing se- 

 ven inches and a half. 



Tliis bird, peculiar to America, was for a long time considered 

 identical with ihc Green-Winged Teal of Europe. At the presen'^ 

 daj', I believe it is very generally understcod, at least on this side of 

 the water, to be a distinct species, as the difference in markings be- 

 tu'een those procured in Europe and America, fully authorise. 



The Green-Winged Teal arrives among us, (from its breedmg- 

 place at the North,) in the latter part of October. Many remain 

 quite late in the Winter. Associated usually in flocks, they frequent 

 the streams and ponds, where ihey feed on insects and tender plants. 

 In the early part of the season, they sometimes visit the ponds on 

 the beach, though generally confined to creeks and mill-ponds. At 

 tlie South, during Winter they arc very abundant, and resort to rice- 

 fields in company with the Mallard. Their flesh is highly esteem- 

 ed, being tender and juicy, and always commands a high price in 

 our markets. In many parts of South America, it is also said to be 

 very abundant. 



ANAS DISCORS— LINN. 



BLUE-WINGED TE.\L. 



Bltic-Wirgrd Teal, Anas discois, WUs. Amcr. Orn. 



Anas diM'or?, Uouap. Svii. 



Anns (liscors, liluc-wirigcd Teal, Sw. & Ilicli. 



]5hio.Witigril 'I'm', Nuit. NLin. 



Dlue-W'iiigcd 'J'tal, .Anas di^corf, Aud. On). Biog. 



Spe.cific Chciraclcr — Bill bluish-black, and long in proportion with 

 the other dimensions of this species, smaller wing coverts, light blue, 

 speculum purplish-gree:T. Adult male with the upper part of the 

 head black ; a broad band of white on the sides of the head, before 

 the eye, margined with black ; rest part of the head, and upper part 

 of the neck grayish-^brown, with purple reflections on the hind-neck; 

 chin black; lower pirts reidish-browa ; lower part of the fore-nock 

 and sides of the body, spotted with blackish-brown; breast and ab- 

 domen barred with the same color; lower taii-coverts blackish-brown 



