Genus ANAS or NON-DIVING DUCKS. 



Type ANAS BOSCHAS. 



Anas of Brisson (1760). — The birds comprising the present 

 genus are characterised by having the tarsus shorter than in the 

 preceding genus, the tail graduated, and the absence of a white 

 carpal region. The wings are long and pointed. The bill is 

 broad, often widening towards the tip. Three toes in front 

 webbed ; hind toe small and unlobed. Sexes different in colour. 



This genus contains about sixty species and subspecies, and 

 is almost cosmopolitan. Ten species are British, some of which 

 breed in, and others are only visitors to, our islands. 



The Non-diving Ducks are dwellers near inland waters and in 

 fens and marshes in summer, but during their seasons of passage 

 and in winter they are more maritime. They are birds of rapid 

 if somewhat laboured flight, swim well, rarely if ever dive, and 

 walk awkwardly with a waddling gait. Their notes are loud and 

 unmusical. They subsist on both vegetable and animal sub- 

 stances, being practically omnivorous. They make somewhat 

 bulky nestSj lined with down, upon the ground, or in holes of 

 trees. Their eggs are numerous, and range from buff to pale 

 greenish in colour, unspotted and smooth. They are mono- 

 gamous, and probably pair for life ; the male taking no part in 

 the rearing of the young. They are more or less gregarious, 

 except in the breeding season. Their flesh is esteemed for the 

 table. 



