392 GAME BIRDS AND WILD FOWL. 



Time during which the Blue-winged Teal may be 

 taken. — August ist to March ist; otherwise by authority of 

 owner or occupier of land. 



Habits. — The habits of the Blue-winged Teal are not known 

 to differ in any important respect from those of allied species 

 already described. 



Nidification. — In its nidification the Blue-winged Teal re- 

 sembles its congeners ; the nest, site, number of eggs, are all 

 similar in every respect. The eggs are creamy white in colour, 

 and measure on an average i'9 inch in length by i"3 inch in 

 breadth. Down apparently undescribed. 



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

 under tail coverts black, with a white crescent between the eye 

 and the bill, and with the shoulders or wing coverts blue (adult 

 male) ; with a green speculum, and dull blue shoulders (adult 

 female). Length, i6 inches. 



