THE AMERICAN TEAL. 211 



Europe, says that both are undoubtedly of one and the 

 same species, and that there is no more difference be- 

 tween them in size, colour, or markings than such as 

 commonly occurs among individuals of any other tribe. 

 Yarrell,* on the contrary, in his account of the European 

 Teal, says that it is quite distinct from that of North 

 America. 



When such two high authorities differ so widely in 

 opinion, it is unnecessary here to do more than simply 

 describe the plumage and habits of the one found in 

 Canada, which generally goes by the name of the " Green- 

 winged Teal," and is as prettily marked and as excellent 

 a bird as the much esteemed teal of our own country. 



In the male the head is a beautiful chestnut, with a 

 broad patch of green running backwards from the eye, 

 bordered above and below by a line of buff. The sides 

 and back are closely marked with fine wavy black lines. 

 The primaries and wing-coverts are brownish ash-colour, 

 and the speculum light green, with a narrow border of 

 cream colour above and below, and one of black at either 

 side. The breast is beautifully marked with black spots 

 on a pale purplish ground, the under parts are white and 

 the tail brown. The bill is black, and legs and feet 

 flesh coloured. 



* British Birds, iii. 285. 

 P 2 



