ANAS ARCUATA. 



The Anas arcuata is found in Java, both near the coast and in the interior ; 

 but its residence is regulated by the changes of the seasons. During the period of 

 the rains, it partially retires from the rivers and lakes, and visits the inundated grounds 

 and marshes. The delicacy of its flesh makes it a favourite object of pursuit 

 with sportsmen ; but it is not easily surprised. Several varieties are distinguished 

 by the natives. The common Meliwis is represented on our Plate ; in a some- 

 what more diversified dress, it is called Meliwis kembang; and a smaller variety has 

 the name of Meliwis hatu. For the name of Anas javanica, originally applied to it, 

 I have STibstituted the name by which, according to the information communicated 

 to me by M. Temminck, it is distinguished by M. Cuvier, in the Museum of Paris, 

 in the specimens presented by M. Leschenault. As far as I have ascertained, it has 

 not yet been figured. The name of arcuata corresponds with its external marks. 



The figure annexed to this article represents the Anas arcuata two-thirds 

 of the natural size. The entire length, fi-om the bill to the tail, is eighteen or 

 nineteen inches. It is a bird of very beautiful form and attitude. The bill is of 

 moderate length, and marked in the middle with an even prominent ridge, to which 

 the broad sides rise with a moderate convexity : at the base the confines are perpen- 

 dicular, and of great height. The neck and the sides of the head have a pale chestnut 

 colour, inclining to a yellowish-gray ; this colour gradually increases in strength and 

 intensity on the breast, and on the abdomen it assumes a reddish-brown tint, some- 

 what vinaceous. The summit of the head and neck is brown. AU the quill-feathers, 

 the outer coverts, the tail-feathers, and the back have a pure brown colour, of a very 

 dark blackish hue. On the breast, neck, and upper parts of the back, semilunar 

 marks, of the same brown colour, are transversely disposed ; and the plumes of the 

 back are bordered at the extremity, in the form of an arch or semicircle, by a narrow 

 chestnut band. The anterior and upper portion of the wings is covered with plumes 

 of a very vivid chestnut tint. The vent-feathers, and several of the plumes of the 

 flanks, which also shew themselves above at the base of the tail, are of a dirty yellow- 

 ish white ; on the thighs, plumes of the same colour are irregularly bordered with 

 brown. The biU and the feet are black. 



