SUBFAMILY FU L1GUL1NAL. 285 



GENUS NETTA 

 (Greek v^rra, netfa. a duck). 



Netta, Kaup. Naturl. Syst., 1829, p. 102. Type Anas rufina, 

 Pallas. 



Bill broadest at the base, narrowing gradually toward the tip; 

 nail broad and prominent, more than one-third the width of the 

 bill. Outline of loral feathering slightly concave. Culmen 

 longer than tarsus. Head of male with lengthened crest. 



One species only, the Rufous-crested Duck, is contained in 

 this genus, an inhabitant of the Old World, where it ranges from 

 the basin of the Mediterranean to Turkestan and Northern India, 

 only casual in Northern Europe and Great Britain. In North 

 America I am not aware that anyone has ever seen it alive, 

 and even as a straggler it has little claim to a place in our 

 avi-fauna. 



GENUS ARISTONETTA 



(Greek Apto-ros, aristos, best -|- vtrra, netfa, a duck). 



Aristonetta, Baird. B. N. Am., 1858, p. 793. Type Anas 

 valisner.ia, Wils. 



Bill as long as middle toe without claw; longer than head; 

 greatest width less than one-third the length of the culmen. 

 greatly depressed toward tip; nail moderate, not hooked. Cul- 

 men depressed in center for nearly one-third the length of bill 

 from base. Head long, not bunchy; neck of equal diameter 

 throughout its length. 



A comparison of the above diagnosis with that of the one suc- 

 ceeding gives ample evidence of the generic distinction of the 

 Canvas Back and Red-Head, and I do not consider that such 

 radical differences as are to be observed between the two species 

 can be properly accentuated by the employment of ARISTONETTA 

 subgenerically. The Red-Head has numerous and some very 

 close allies throughout the world having the same generic char- 

 acters, while the Canvas Back is sui generis, and has no exotic 

 representatives nor home relatives. Its very peculiar bill and 

 thick neck, the latter of nearly equal diameter for its entire 

 length, cause it to be conspicuous among the Duck tribe and 

 without imitators, unless the small Ruddy Duck, with its thick 

 neck, can be considered as such. 



