GARGANY DUCK. 115 



The bird from America, the green-winged teal 

 of Wilson, wao considered identical, and the geo- 

 graphic range therefore made very extensive; we 

 consider that bird, however, quite distinct, in which 

 opinion we are joined by most modern ornitholo- 

 gists.* The distinctions consist principally in the 

 white crescent-shaped band, which crosses the sides 

 of the breast nearly in a line with the bend of 

 the wing, and in the want of the white scapulars 

 which form so conspicuous a line down each side 

 of the back of the European birds. The distri- 

 bution of the colours on the head are also different. 

 We have never met with an American specimen 

 without that white band and dark scapulars, nor 

 one from any portion of the Old World possessing 

 them ; and we notice it here, both from the differ- 

 ence of opinion which has existed, and as a guide, 

 if any American birds should happen to stray so 

 far as our shores, which, however, would be much 

 more probable were the habits of the bird at all 

 maritime. 



THE GARGANY DUCK, BOSCHAS CIRCIA. Anas 

 circia, Linn. Querquedula circia, Steph. Canard 

 Sarcelle d'ete, Temm. Gargany, or Summer Teal 

 of British authors. This beautiful species is a sum- 

 mer visitant to this country. Mr. Yarrell states 

 having seen specimens in October, and a few may 

 occur at the time of the autumnal migration, but 

 * See Illust. of Oraith. pi. 146. 



