BRITISH BIRDS. 



339 



THE TUFTED DUCK.* 



(Anas /<>/// V//,/#, \\T\n. Cnnard morillon, Temm.) 



THIS is a plump, round, and short-shaped species. 

 The male is distinguished by a pendent crest, over- 

 hanging the nape of the neck, two inches in length. 

 The weight is about two pounds, length eighteen 

 inches. The bill is broad, of a dark lead colour; 

 the nail black: irides deep orange: the head is 

 black, glossed with purple; the neck, breast, and 

 all the upper parts, are of a deep brown or black: 

 the scapulars faintly powdered or sprinkled with 

 light spots, so minute as not to be observed at a 

 short distance. The wings are crossed by a narrow 

 white bar: the belly, sides, and under coverts of 



* The tuft is sometimes wanting, and in that state has been made 

 a distinct species. Montagu. 



