402 Capt. Beavan on various Indian Birds. 



much more of a Goose than a Duck. Many a time have I tried 

 to stalk a pair of these birds on the sandbanks of the Teesta 

 River, at Julpigoorie; but never could I manage to get within 

 shot, as they are very wary, and give the unfortunate " griff." 

 many a weary and useless trudge under a broiling sun. 



957. Spatula clypeata. Shoveller. 



Shot near Umballah in January 1866, whence it is also 

 recorded by the late Dr. Scott as having been sent by him to 

 the Montrose Museum. I have also procured this well-known 

 Duck at Julpigoorie and near Barrackpore. 



958. Anas boschas. Mallard. 



Common about Umballah in the cold weather, but is said not 

 to occur in Lower Bengal {cf. Ibis, 1867, p. 176). 



959. Anas pcecilorhyncha. Spotted-billed Duck. 



I have met with this fine bird only at Julpigoorie, on the 

 river Teesta, in 1859, and in the Maunbhoom district in 1864. 

 It is never seen in flocks, but generally in pairs, and is not at 

 all a common species. 



961. Chaulelasmus streperus. Gadwall. 



Of common occurrence near Julpigoorie, but not so often seen 

 in other parts of Lower Bengal. 



962. Dafila acuta. Pintail Duck. 



Abundant about Umballah, but not observed in Lower 

 Bengal. 



963. Mareca PENELOPE. Widgeon. 



964. Querquedula crecca. Common Teal. 



Both these species are common about Umballah. The latter 

 is occasionally met with in Maunbhoom, but not so abundant 

 there as Q. circia. 



967. Branta rufina. Red-crested Pochard. 

 Newly caught specimens were brought into Umballah for 

 sale from Kurnaul in January 1866. 



973. Mergus castor. Merganser. 



I have shot specimens of this species on the Great Rungeet 



