OF THE BRITISH ISLANDS. 379 



brood is reared in the year, and the young are deserted as soon 

 as they are able to fly. 



Diagnostic Characters. — (Nuptial plumage), Anas, with the 

 back and flanks vermiculated with black on a white ground, and 

 the median wing coverts white (adult male) ; grayish brown above, 

 huffish white below, alar speculum grayish brown, bill small and 

 blue, tipped with black (adult female). Length, 18 to 20 inches. 



