27^ WATER FOWL 



*GENUS DENDROCYGNA 

 (Greek Shdpov, dendron, a tree -|- Latin cygnus, a swan). 



Dendrocygna, Swain. Class. B., 1837, vol. ii., p. 365. Type 

 Anas arcuata, Cuv. 



Bill as long as the head, nail occupying nearly all the tip, and 

 curving downward. Nostrils ovate, situated high upon the bill 

 and on the basal portion. Neck long and slender. Legs very 

 long, lower part of tibiae denuded; lower portion of tarsus in 

 front without transverse scutellse, but covered with small scales, 

 like those of Geese. Hind toe one-third the length of tarsus. 



There are about nine Tree Ducks belonging to this genus, 

 scattered over various portions of the world. They are peculiar 

 for their long legs and necks and have affinities for Geese. 

 They roost and nest in trees, and have a variously colored 

 plumage, some species being very attractive. Two only are 

 found in North America, penetrating into the States along our 

 southern border, for these Ducks are chiefly dwellers in tropical 

 lands. 



KEY TO THE SPECIES. 



A. Brownish black stripe down hind neck. 



BLACK-BELLIED 



a. Abdomen and flanks black. \ tree duck. 



aututnnalts. 



FULVOUS TREE 



b. Abdomen and flanks cinnamon. \ duck. 



i" 



) D. 



\ FUL^ 

 ) D. 



fulva. 



GENUS CASARCA 

 (Russian cacharca, sea swallow). 



Casarca, Bon. Comp. List B. Eur. and Amer., 1838, p. 56. 

 Type Anas casarca, Linn. 



Bill with parallel sides, culmen nearly straight, lamellae of 

 mandible projecting outwardly. Lower portion of tarsus in 

 front with transverse scutellse. Tarsus rather long. 



A genus containing four handsome species, very goose-like in 

 their habits and in the tones of their voices. They are essen- 

 tially birds of the Old World, and although two examples of 



