690 SYSTEM A TIC SYNOPSIS. — LAMELLIROSTBES — AN SERES. 



ducks, the toes and their webs not being so higlily developed. None of the AnatiruB are 

 extensively maritime, like most of the Fuligulinm ; yet they are by no means confined to 

 fresh waters, and some species constantly associate with the seaducks. They feed exten- 

 sively, like most geese, upon succulent aquatic herbage, but also upon various animal 

 substances ; their flesh is almost without exception excellent. They do not dive for their 

 food. The moult is double; the sexes are almost invariably markedly distinct in color; 



the young resemble the 



ally a brilliant speculum, 

 which, like the other 

 wing-markings, is the 

 same in both sexes. Un- 

 like geese, these and oth- 

 er ducks are not doubly- 

 monogamous, but simply 

 so if not polygamous ; 

 the male pays no atten- 

 tion to the young. Ex- 

 cluding the shieldrake 

 group, already mentioned 

 as pertaining rather to 

 tlie geese than the ducks, 

 there are about fifty spe- 

 cies, generally distrib- 

 FiG. 478. — Mallards. (Prom Lewis.) uted over the world. 



They are split into a large number of modem genera, most of which indicate little more than 

 specific characters; the majority are represented in this country. Of those here following, 

 two. Spatula and Aix, represent decided structural peculiai-ity ; the rest might all be referred 

 to Anas, type of the group. The Mdlacorliynchus membranaceus, of Australia, is a notable 



exotic form. 



Analysis of Genera. 



Head crested ; bill narrow, the tip formed widely by the nail A'ix 



Head not crested ; bill greatly wider at end than at base Spatula 



Head not crested ; bill not spoon-shaped. 



Tail cnneatej with narrow central feathers more than half as long as wing . 

 Tail not cnneate, not half as long as wing 



Bill shorter than head ; tail-feathers lance-acute ; head not white ; belly white 

 Bill shorter than head ; tail-feathers not acute ; crown and belly white . 

 Bill about as long as head, or longer. 



Wing-speculum white; wing-coverts chestnut; bill dark; feet orange Chaulelasnus 286 



Wing-speculum violet, black -bordered; bill greenish, or dusky and orange; feet orange Anas 284 

 Wing-speculum green; lesser coverts blue or not; bill dark. Very small Qiterquedula 288 



Obs. — The old males of all oUr species are unmistakable, having strong marks of color, 

 size, and form; but the females and young may not always be recognized at a glance. lu 

 examining any " duck" of which you are in doubt, first notice the bill ; if it is narrow and 

 cylindrical, with sharp saw-like teeth, very conspicuous, the bird is one of the Mergansers, 

 or "Fishing Ducks," scarcely fit for food. Next, examine the hind toe; if it has a flap or 

 lobe hanging free, the bird is one of the Fuligulinm, which may or may not be good for the 

 table ; if the hind toe is simple and slender, it is one of the Anatinee, and sure to make a 

 good dish, if in order. All the red- or orange-footed species are Anatinee (exciting the 

 Mergansers) ; but not all the Anatinee have the feet thus colored. In determining female 

 and young AnaiAruB, look ti> the wiug-markings rather than the body-colors. The species 

 of Qu^quedulfi are very small ''teal " ducks, 16 inches or less in length. 



290 

 289 



. . . (? Oaflla 285 



yg. and $ Dajila 285 

 . . Mareca 287 



