CHAPTER VII. 
True Ducks (concluded). 
Tue other thirteen species of Anating with which 
we have to deal comprise the ordinary surface-feeding 
Ducks, which do not, as a rule, either dive for food 
or perch, nor are they found much on land. In all 
of them the bill is noticeably longer, sometimes 
considerably, than the shank, which is short, being 
considerably exceeded in length by the middle toe. 
The outer toe is, however, not equal to the middle in 
length, leaving the foot comparatively small. The legs 
are set rather far back, but not so far as in the diving 
Ducks, and they walk fairly well, though with a 
waddling gait. The wings are of good size and pointed, 
and they tly well. They feed at the surface as a rule, 
or by reaching down with their tails in the air, seldom 
diving tor food.* They are divided into ten genera, of 
which three are at once marked of by striking colour, 
and two by peculiarities of form. The others are 
separated by characters so trifling that they would be 
aetter taken all together, their relationship being 
undoubtedly very close. 
Of the peculiarly coloured genera, the sexes of which 
are recognizably similar,— 
The Wood-duck is at once distinguished by its large 
size, dark body, and black and white wings with French- 
grey bar. 
* At the same time, I have observed and recorded (Natural Science, 
1892, Vol. I, p. 47) that the half-tame Mallards in the London Parks 
do sometimes dive for food, and also the Mandarin Duck (A7zx 
galericulata) and the Chihan Pintail (Dajila spzntcauda); since this I 
have even seen the latter bird chasing and catching live fish under 
water like a Merganser ! This was in St. James’ Park, 24th July, 1894, 
6 
