



Fig. 101. Sarcidiornis melanonotus. 



Order XXIII. ANSERES. 



The Anseres of Linnaeus (Natatores of IlHger) were a very large 

 group, comprising almost all web-footed birds ; but the term Anseres 

 as used by ornithologists at the present day is restricted to the 

 Ducks, G-eese, and Swans, which form a well -marked order without 

 any near relations. 



In this order the three anterior toes are united by webs extend- 

 ing, except in one Australian genus, Anseranas, to the ends of the 

 digits ; the hind toe is always present, but is short and articulated 

 to the tarsus higher up than the other toes. The bill is more or less 

 depressed and flattened, except in the Merginw, and is covered with 

 n soft membrane, except on the dertrum or nail, which forms the 

 tip of the upper mandible ; both mandibles are fringed inside the 

 touiiae, or edges, with lamellae, which are variously developed 

 in different genera. 



The skull is desmognathous and holorhinal ; basipterygoid pro 



